Prosecutors have deferred bringing billionaire property mogul Anant Asavabhokhin to court due to his critical health condition following a kidney transplant, a well-placed source disclosed.
The 73-year-old founder and erstwhile chairman of Land & Houses Plc, Anant Asavabhokhin, has reportedly slipped into a coma due to severe complications after undergoing a kidney transplant, the source, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed. This development has cast a dark shadow over his indictment for money laundering related to the notorious Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) embezzlement scandal.
Initially, the case against Mr. Anant stagnated for years until he was formally charged on February 16 this year. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had first recommended his prosecution in 2019, but the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) dismissed the investigation report, along with subsequent DSI petitions for reconsideration. Throughout this period, Mr. Anant was obligated to report to prosecutors every three months pending a definitive OAG decision concerning his indictment.
Mr. Anant was slated to make an appearance in the Criminal Court on April 2 to face his charges. However, he failed to appear, prompting his legal representative to seek a deferment, citing a medical certificate. Prosecutors granted the request, postponing subsequent appearances scheduled for May and June. This series of delays led prosecutors to instruct officials from the Criminal Money Laundering Division to scrutinize the authenticity of Mr. Anant’s health claims.
The investigation confirmed that Mr. Anant is indeed grappling with end-stage renal failure. His condition became critically precarious following a rejected kidney transplant in Australia. Presently, he requires dialysis thrice a week and is unfit for a new transplant due to various other severe health issues, including heart failure, a brain hemorrhage, and a compromised immune system. Moving him from his sterile environment could potentially lead to deadly infections.
A Tangled Web of Corruption
The Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative scandal, stretching back to 2012, remains one of the most significant embezzlement cases in the country’s history. Investigators uncovered that former chairman Supachai Srisupa-aksorn illicitly withdrew a staggering 12 billion baht of members’ savings through 878 cheques. Supachai is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence for his crimes.
Some of the illicit funds were funneled to Wat Phra Dhammakaya, a highly affluent and contentious temple where Mr. Anant was known to be a devoted follower. Supachai also utilized part of the stolen money for acquiring a real-estate company that held substantial land in Pathum Thani. The DSI discovered that some of this land was subsequently sold to Land & Houses Plc, chaired by Mr. Anant at the time.
A separate probe by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) brought to light a sophisticated series of transactions involving Mr. Anant and Phra Dhammachayo, the fugitive former abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya. Donations to the temple were allegedly sourced from the nearly 500 million baht earned from reselling the land, initially bought for 93.8 million baht, according to investigators.
The intricate web of transactions, dubious deals, and deep-seated corruption has kept public interest high, and Mr. Anant’s health crisis adds yet another layer of complexity to an already convoluted saga. The saga continues to unfold, leaving many to wonder about the ultimate resolution of this high-profile case.
Wow, isn’t it convenient that Anant’s health issues come up right when he’s supposed to face the music? This stinks of a ploy to delay justice!
Mike123, that’s a pretty cynical view. Health problems at his age are not uncommon. It’s harsh to assume he’s faking it.
Exactly, Linda. It’s not like he can control his health. People love to jump to conspiracy theories.
Maybe, but considering his connections, it’s hard not to be suspicious. Powerful people often find ways to escape accountability.
It’s incredible how long it takes to bring high-profile individuals to justice. The rich always seem to get special treatment, don’t they?
True, but sometimes it’s because these cases are so complex. Look at all the layers in this one! Embezzlement, shady land deals, and questionable donations!
Patty’s right. The richer they are, the more convoluted their messes seem to be. It’s hard to untangle everything without thorough scrutiny.
I get that, but it feels like selective justice. The common man wouldn’t get these delays and leniencies.
Wat Phra Dhammakaya again? That temple seems to be at the center of so many controversies. It’s more of a business than a temple!
Ahmed, be careful with those statements. There are many who genuinely find spiritual solace there. It’s the people in power who exploit the system.
Still, it’s troubling to see spiritual places get involved in financial scandals. Religion and money should be kept separate.
I agree, Samantha. When spirituality is mixed with greed, it taints everything it touches.
Why isn’t the government doing more to expedite this case? An ordinary person would have been behind bars already!
Justice4All, the judicial process has to be fair, regardless of status. Health considerations are a part of human rights.
LegalEagle, that’s a naive view. The wealthy maneuver within the system with their resources. Fairness is often a facade.
True, Pete. The scales of justice seem tilted in favor of those with deep pockets.
All this fuss over a guy who’s already 73 and battling severe health issues. How much longer can he really evade justice?
Every delay dims the chances of a meaningful resolution. He could pass away before any verdict is reached.
Even if he’s dying, the truth needs to come out. His connections to the temple and land deals need to be exposed.
I suppose that’s right. The scandal is bigger than just one man. The whole corrupt network has to be dismantled.
What a tragic end for someone who built such a big company. Land & Houses was supposed to be a respectable name in real estate.
ConcernedCitizen, respectability ends where greed begins. No amount of success justifies illegal activities.
Paul, unfortunately, big business and shady dealings sometimes go hand-in-hand. Profit often trumps ethics.
Sadly true, Guru. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. It’s important for future business leaders to take note.
This case should highlight the importance of corporate governance and transparency in all sectors, not just real estate.
I feel bad for his family. They must be going through a lot with his health and all this legal stuff.
True, Carol. Families often bear the brunt of these scandals. It’s never just the individual.
I’m intrigued by how long these financial crimes can go unnoticed. Didn’t anyone question the 12 billion baht being siphoned off?
ReaderGurl, it’s not uncommon for crimes of this scale to be hidden through clever accounting and corrupted oversight. Greed blinds many people.
Anant’s recent health problems sound too convenient. How much of it is real and how much is fabricated to buy time?
Let’s not forget the victims here – the regular members of the credit union who lost their life savings. Justice for them should be the priority.
What a tangled mess this case is. It’s like a real-life soap opera, only sadder because real people are affected.
Dino, it really is heartbreaking. The drama may fascinate outsiders but the damage done to lives is immense.
This case could be a turning point if handled correctly. It’s an opportunity to clean up longstanding corruption.
Whatever happens to Anant, the system that allowed this to occur needs comprehensive reform.
Does anyone know if the money siphoned off can be recovered? It might help the victims.
And the saga continues… Will we ever see the end of such corruption in our lifetime?
Why hasn’t the monk involved been extradited to face charges? Seems like he’s a big part of the problem too.
This whole story just shows how interconnected business, religion, and crime can be. Sad state of affairs.
Anant might recover just in time to face trial. Life’s uncertain, but law should take its course regardless of health.