Anant the latest Dhammakaya domino to shake

The political and business bombshells unleashed by the Dhammakaya scandal continue to wreak havoc on key segments of Thai society. Amid a manhunt for missing former abbot Phra Dhammachayo, the Department of Special Investigation is ready to summon property tycoon Anant Asavabhokin for questioning. The news has rattled his business empire, which includes a bank. In a press interview, Anant said he was prepared to answer questions, but complained that the DSI had divulged its interest in him through the media instead of contacting him directly.
Anant is just one of several high-profile figures involved with Wat Dhammakaya. At the peak of its popularity, the temple counted business leaders, celebrities, high-ranking state officials and well-known politicians among its followers, attracted more by its grand pageantry than its sometimes-controversial teachings. People such as Anant were suspected of being involved one way or another in Dhammakaya’s amassing of immense wealth over the years.
Once again the Dhammakaya scandal has prompted legal and political soul-searching. Thailand’s polarisation along political lines has amplified the controversy, which began as a relatively simple case of alleged embezzlement and money laundering.
Anant and his family have been drawn into a row surrounding 
transactions of land involving Dhammachayo and the temple, and the former Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative chief, now behind bars. Assets exchanged in the alleged scam are easily identifiable and the transactions, though complicated, are undisputed, a matter of official record. The case should have been straightforward, but our divisive politics confound the situation. The authorities ensured the probe would be difficult and drawn out when they utilised post-coup legal powers to close the temple so they could hunt for Dhammachayo, unsuccessfully as it turned out. 
Anant’s summons will not be so controversial, but the potential impact on the business sphere cannot be underestimated. His property empire is considerable, his commercial bank well established. Share prices in his holdings have dropped and there have been calls in the media for a review of his high rank in the Land and Houses Financial Group.
Anant is regarded as a leading “disciple” of Dhammachayo, close to the temple for many years. Scrutiny of the temple’s financial transactions and asset transfers began only when the KCUC was rocked by accusations of massive embezzlement. With lower-profile figures giving Dhammakaya huge donations, the Anant-Dhammakaya relationship remained largely unnoticed, even though it involved vast amounts of money.
While Anant commands attention, a response is also keenly awaited from the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has in the past displayed sensitivity towards legal cases or suspicions concerning executives of listed companies. If the law is formally applied in Anant’s case, the SEC could take harsh action under the SEC Act and anti-money-laundering legislation.
The Dhammakaya controversy demands the careful application of justice, with nothing concealed or whitewashed. The authorities must be just and transparent and cede no special privileges to any suspect. The highest standards must be met, lest far more serious damage be triggered that afflicts all of Thai society.