Thailand Strips Country’s Chief Rabbi of Citizenship for Using US Passport
by Shiryn Ghermezian
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 2, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Valeria Mongelli
Thailand’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order this week stripping Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the country’s chief rabbi, of his Thai citizenship because of his continued use of his American passport for international travel.
Kantor established the Chabad of Thailand in 1993 and became a Thai citizen in April 2013. He is also a leading figure in the Jewish Association of Thailand.
Thailand’s Interior Ministry said in a statement that findings by the Department of Special Investigation, which operates under the Justice Ministry, revealed the head of the Jewish community in the country used his American nationality to enter and leave Australia 16 times, most recently in January. Authorities said that his actions were in violation of Thailand’s Nationality Act of 1965 and that they are allowed to revoke citizenship obtained through naturalization when continued use of a previous nationality is established.
The order also stated that Kantor could adversely affect national security, the economy, and society because of his continued use of his previous American nationality.
The Chabad of Thailand on Thursday expressed sorrow over the decision to revoke Kantor’s citizenship but added that it respects country’s legal system.
“We respect the Kingdom of Thailand, its laws, and its institutions, and we are grateful for the hospitality it has extended over the years,” the Chabad said in a statement. “We are saddened by the decision to revoke Rabbi Kantor’s citizenship. We are addressing the matter through the proper legal channels, with full confidence in the Thai legal system, and we look forward to continuing to work together with the Thai authorities and people for many years to come. Chabad Houses and synagogues in Thailand are operating as usual. They will continue to warmly welcome every Jew who comes here and to help all the people of Thailand.”
Thai authorities are also reportedly examining companies and land holdings tied to Kantor to determine if his ownership is in compliance with Thai law, according to a statement by Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee on Friday cited by The Strait Times. Authorities are also reportedly examining the Thai citizenship of the rabbi’s relatives who received nationality through him.
In September, Thai authorities launched an investigation into a local Jewish community center in Phuket regarding its land ownership, permits, building approvals, and commercial licenses, The Algemeiner previously reported. The investigation took place mere days after a Rosh Hashanah dinner for 2,000 people was abruptly canceled because of concerns surrounding a nearby pro-Palestinian protest.
