He faced many charges, and the nearly Bt73-billion proceeds from the Shin Corp share sale were under attack, but all charges could be dropped

if he decided to use the money for the sake of the country.

Imagine if Thaksin wanted his money back, not for his own benefit but for his beloved grass roots, those he promised would be lifted out of poverty within six years.

It would be cool if the deposed premier donated all the Bt73 billion to the 14 million members of the former Thai Rak Thai Party.

Each would receive a Bt5,200 windfall which could reduce their burden. In 2006, average debt per household was Bt116,585 per year, according to

the National Statistical Office.

Thaksin might target only the poor. That would cover only 6.1 million people, according to the National Economic and Social Development Board. Then each person whose monthly income is less than Bt1,386 would receive Bt12,133 from the former prime minister, who is going to spend Bt5.6 billion for a 55.6-per-cent stake of the British-based Manchester City Football Club.

Another choice is asking for the central bank's approval to set up a commercial bank, using the Bt72.8 billion as registered capital. This would be the biggest bank in terms of registered capital, compared to Bt40 billion for Bangkok Bank, Bt57.7 billion for Krung Thai Bank and Bt70.9 billion at the Bank of Ayudhya.

Then the new Thaksin bank could lend money at special rates to the poor.

Anyone who could not access commercial banks' services would welcome such a bank. They could buy anything they wanted: mobile phones, plasma televisions, refrigerators or even houses. The bank would become more popular than any bank in history.

Despite his good intentions, if any, the Thai government may want to claim ownership of the money as it also may have ideas for the national benefit.

The money could strengthen the country's international reserve, accounting for 2.9 per cent of the gross reserve of Bt2.5 trillion as of June 15.

The Bt73 billion could help the government finance its budget deficit next year, now planned at Bt160 billion.

This means the public debt would not increase as much as it otherwise would.

No matter who wins the prize, the country is the winner if this is the true intention of both sides in spending the money.

Anoma@nationgroup.com