Thailand Revokes Citizenship of Country’s Head Shliach

Thai authorities have revoked the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, who has led Chabad in Thailand for more than 30 years, citing his use of a U.S. passport.

Thailand has revoked the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the country’s Chief Rabbi and longtime head of Chabad Thailand, following an investigation into his use of an American passport after becoming a Thai citizen.

The order was signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul after investigators determined that Rabbi Kantor had continued traveling on his U.S. passport despite obtaining Thai citizenship in 2013, YNet reported.

According to Thailand’s Interior Ministry, investigators documented 16 instances in which Rabbi Kantor used his American passport for travel involving Australia. The latest recorded instance was January 26 of this year.

Thai officials maintain that his continued use of his previous nationality violated the conditions under which he was granted citizenship.

The decision was issued under a provision of Thailand’s nationality law permitting the government to withdraw naturalized citizenship in such circumstances. Authorities also cited potential implications for national security, economic interests and society.

Rabbi Kantor, who arrived in Bangkok on Shlichus in 1993, has spent more than three decades building and overseeing Chabad’s extensive network throughout Thailand. He received Thai citizenship in April 2013 and has been a prominent figure in the country’s Jewish community.

The citizenship decision comes amid a series of government investigations involving Chabad institutions and Jewish facilities in Thailand.

In recent months, authorities have searched multiple Chabad locations while examining financial records, property holdings and business activities. Documents were confiscated during some of the searches, although no criminal wrongdoing has been publicly established.

YNet also reported that Thai authorities recently ordered the removal of Jewish remains from a cemetery after its operating permit expired.

The developments have prompted concerns about increasing government pressure on Jewish institutions and Israelis in Thailand, although no official connection between the separate actions has been established.

In response to the latest decision, Chabad Thailand expressed disappointment while stressing its continued respect for the country’s government and legal institutions.

“Rabbi Kantor has served the Jewish community in Thailand for more than 30 years, and Thailand is home to him and his family,” the organization said.

Chabad Thailand said the matter is being handled through the appropriate legal channels and expressed confidence in the Thai legal system.

The organization also reassured visitors that its activities remain unaffected, with Chabad Houses throughout Thailand continuing to operate normally and welcome Jewish travelers and residents.

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