The English club accepted Thaksin's 81.6-million-pound bid, worth 121.5 million euros or 162.6 million dollars, in London Thursday, which came hours after Thai prosecutors laid formal criminal corruption charges against him.

Since last year's coup, the self-made billionaire has remained in exile and currently lives in London.

The Man City deal was blazed across front pages of Thai papers Friday, but public relation consultant Narongchai Sampakdee said it was typical ploy of Thaksin's to distract attention from the graft allegations.

"The purchase of the English Premier League Club is just a tactic for Thaksin to improve his image," said Narongchai. "Don't even hope that this deal can benefit the Thai people."

Even in Thaksin's hometown Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, Noi, a 48-year-old housewife, said people wondered whether Thaksin's takeover money might be tainted.

"Thaksin is a genius and has a lot of money. But many people are sceptical whether his money is clean or not," said Noi.

She said Thaksin should invest money in Thailand instead of buying the English club as the kingdom's economy has slowed down due to a slump in consumer confidence and ongoing political uncertainty.

The Thai junta justified the coup by saying Thaksin was corrupt and it would probe abuse during his five years in office.

Last week, a powerful anti-graft panel froze on some 52.9 billion baht (1.52 billion dollars) of funds belonging to Thaksin and his family as part of the junta's investigations.

Sontahaya Klaitook, a 36-year-old businessman in the southern paradise island of Phuket, welcomed Thaksin's takeover.

"If Thaksin can bring Thai players to English football teams after the takeover, it's good for Thailand," Sontahaya said.

But he said the proposed purchase of Manchester City was "politically motivated" for Thaksin "to regain his popularity."

In Bangkok, Poonvit Phuwarang, a 25-year-old engineer, said he supported Thaksin's deal.

"It is great for Thai football players. They may have a chance to play in English teams," said Poonvit.

Norasak Singhasenee, a 21-year-old student, agreed.

"It's cool to have a Thai businessman own an overseas football club," he said.

"The deal will help people abroad know about Thailand," Norasak.