Thought or intention is always karma?

"**Chethanaham bikkawe kamman wadami**". > Dear Bikkhus, I introduce thought as karma. It is after having thought > that we engage in action physically, verbally and mentally. ( > Nibbedhika sutraya) My question is simple. Does thought or intention alone become karma? Or does it need to have certain characteristics (Sorry if this word is inappropriate) for it to become Karma? If intention alone is karma whether we engage in action in though, word or deed what is the point of good deed?

Can we just **"think"** that we are helping the poor and have good karma? Can we **"think"** that we are giving dhana to monks and have good karma?

In the context of good karma, can we just have good intentions and thoughts of good deeds and get the same karma that we get from physically engaging in such activities?