Maybe Smiles' retirement in Pattaya will last as long as his retirement from this Forum? :))) I jest, of course, as I know that he plans to throw lots of parties for all readers with oodles of free drinks and food. I hereby apply for the post of first ballooner.

As one who retired at 54 I can recommend it heartily. Of course one can be tempted to the dark side and cut and paste excessively - am I in danger? At least I don't make 'cutting' remarks except when 'plastered'.

Will Smiles take back Sawatdee and relieve Elephantspike of the heavy duty of moderating and filing messages in the various bins invented so that they can disappear from being read. Hopefully he will fix things so that I can post my wonderful photos from the 10,895 - and rising - that I have in my computer.