Thailand revokes citizenship of prominent Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor

Thailand has revoked the Thai citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the long-serving head of the Chabad network in the country and a prominent figure in its Jewish community, citing his continued use of a US passport after naturalization.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order on Wednesday.

Authorities said Kantor, who obtained Thai nationality through naturalization under the Nationality Act of 1965 (published in the Royal Gazette on April 11, 2013, with his first national ID card issued May 2 that year), repeatedly used his American nationality for international travel.

The Department of Special Investigation provided evidence of 16 entries and exits involving Australia, the most recent on January 26 this year.

Officials determined this breached conditions he had acknowledged upon applying for citizenship.

The order invoked Section 19(2) of the Nationality Act, which permits revocation of naturalized citizenship when a person continues to use a former nationality.

Kantor, originally a US citizen, has lived and worked in Thailand since 1993, leading Chabad activities that serve Jewish residents, tourists, and ‘Israelis’.

Anutin defended the decision, stating it complied with the law governing naturalized citizens’ travel and conduct.

“Any unlawful act, whatever it involves, must be dealt with firmly by the responsible government agencies and officials. They must apply the law to its full extent to maintain order in Thai society,” he said, while referring questions on further steps to relevant officials.

The revocation forms part of a broader government effort under Anutin’s administration to enforce rules more strictly against foreign nationals and dual citizens accused of violating conditions or using nominee arrangements for business and property.

It follows an earlier October revocation of another naturalized citizen’s status over similar passport issues and comes amid investigations and searches of Chabad-linked and other Jewish-associated premises examining businesses, finances, and land holdings.

Officials have stressed the actions address potential legal violations rather than nationality or religion.

In the days after the order, authorities expanded scrutiny.

Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee said investigators were reviewing the citizenship status of Kantor’s relatives and heirs who obtained Thai nationality through him, examining land he acquired while a Thai citizen, and looking into 19 companies linked to him.

No assets have been seized, and he has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing in connection with the citizenship decision itself.

Officials indicated that if violations are found—such as improper land ownership or use of proxies—forced sales or other legal measures could follow.

Chabad in Thailand issued a statement expressing regret while affirming respect for Thai law and institutions.

“Rabbi Kantor has served the Jewish community in Thailand for more than 30 years, and Thailand is home to him and his family. We respect the Kingdom of Thailand, its laws, and its institutions, and we are grateful for the hospitality it has extended over the years,” it said.

“We regret this decision, and the matter is being addressed through the appropriate legal channels, with full confidence in the Thai system. Chabad Houses in Thailand are operating as usual and will continue to warmly welcome every Jew and every Israeli who comes here.”