Thais are the envy of Western countries, where people are still suffering low temperatures even though spring has officially begun. While we're sweating here - even temperatures having fallen, thanks to the rain - Westerners are still bundled up in coats.

Warm sunshine in Switzerland's Lausanne last Thursday was thus worth cherishing. The weather was clear enough for residents to view the beautiful Alps, partially covered with snow. And at 20 degrees Celsius, it was warm enough to bask in the sun.

Perhaps the bright weather inspired Gordon Adler, director for public relations and communications at the Institute for Management Development (IMD). He came up with a bright idea for Thailand.

The IMD has been renowned for its World Competitiveness rankings. Last Thursday, this year's list was released, and to the disappointment of Thai visitors, Thailand's ranking was down five notches. The political vacuum was cited as the main factor, and given that the next election will not be held until October 22, the caretaker government will be in place for a five full months. That means no big economic policies will be approved. A business vacuum is thus guaranteed.

Adler thought of something that could raise Thailand's ranking.

"Next year, you should encourage the IMD to include the sun in the factors for ranking," he advised some of the Thai visitors. "Your competitiveness would surpass even Switzerland's."

It would be nice if we could make it so. But then, we'd have to compete with countries that sit right on or close to the equator. It seems that whatever the criteria, Thailand will never be No 1.

achara_d@nationgroup.com