Anutin orders Kantor’s Thai citizenship revoked, citing US passport use 16 times

Thailand’s Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on Wednesday (October 28) to revoke the Thai citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, citing continued use of his US nationality on 16 occasions when travelling to or from Australia after naturalisation.

Kantor is a long-serving Chabad-Lubavitch leader and a prominent figure in the Jewish Association of Thailand. The Jewish community’s own account records his arrival in Bangkok in 1993 to serve as its rabbi.

Interior Ministry cites US nationality use after naturalisation

The Interior Ministry’s notice cites information from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), under the Justice Ministry, that Kantor entered and left Australia using US nationality on 16 occasions. The most recent occasion cited was January 26, 2026.

According to the Interior Ministry, Kantor knew the conditions attached to his naturalisation when he applied, and his continued use of US nationality breached those conditions.

Anutin exercised his authority under the first paragraph of Section 19 of the Nationality Act BE 2508 (1965), relying on subsection (2). That provision allows the minister to revoke naturalised citizenship where evidence shows continued use of a person’s former nationality. 

Kantor acquired Thai citizenship through naturalisation under Section 10 of the Nationality Act, with the grant published in the Royal Gazette on April 11, 2013, according to the ministry’s notice. His first Thai national identity card was issued on May 2, 2013.

The Interior Ministry’s notice says the DSI inquiry concerned conduct by naturalised citizens that could affect national security, including economic and social interests. The ministry warned that delaying action in Kantor’s case could cause serious harm to the public.

DSI examines Gan Chabad’s ownership and financial records

The DSI’s account of joint searches on October 8 describes an inquiry into company control, land holdings, donations and financial transactions at three Bangkok locations. The operation involved the Anti-Money Laundering Office, Interior Ministry agencies and other regulators examining whether Thai shareholders were acting as nominees for foreign investors. 

At Gan Chabad Co Ltd’s office in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district, the DSI reported finding records for more than 60 companies registered at one address, some with overlapping directors or shareholders. Investigators collected documents concerning land purchases, donations, taxation and hotel and restaurant operations. 

Gan Chabad acquired land for a Jewish cemetery in Samet Tai subdistrict, Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao, according to an earlier report. That report noted that the company’s three authorised directors held Thai citizenship, while possible nominee arrangements involving other companies and transactions were being examined separately. 

The Anti-Money Laundering Office was tracing domestic and overseas transfers, while the Revenue Department was examining tax liabilities, according to a Thai media report. Scrutiny of Chabad-linked property holdings in Patong, Phuket was also reported.

Kantor’s earlier explanation centres on religious work

Kantor described the Chabad Foundation of Thailand’s purpose as religious activities and assistance for tourists during the October 8 inspections. That explanation preceded the citizenship order. 

Chabad of Thailand describes its work as providing religious, social and educational support to Jewish residents and visitors, including kosher food services. The organisation states that donations support those programmes. 

Thai authorities have stressed that the Gan Chabad inquiries should focus on individual conduct and legal compliance rather than religion or nationality.

The Interior Ministry’s order concerning Kantor does not announce criminal findings in the separate business, land or financial investigations.