U.S., June 22 -- The Thaksin government in Thailand is pursuing the goal (dream?) of having Deputy Prime Minister Surakiat Sathirathai appointed U.N. Secretary General after the end of Kofi Annan's term in January 2007.

So, in the spirit of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained,' here we go: Not a single one of the above reasons can be disputed. As the advertising slogan of a footwear brand says bluntly: Do It. Here's a much better idea: Back the call made by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez at the 60th General Assembly session to move the U.N. out of New York - and nominate Bangkok as the alternate venue!!

Listed below are 10 irrefutable reasons for a move that will yield far superior long-term benefits for Thailand - and the world - than ...