PM Anutin defends order to revoke Kantor’s Thai citizenship
PM Anutin says the order to revoke Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor’s Thai citizenship follows the law, referring questions on further action to officials.
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended the decision, stating the action complies with Thai law regarding the conduct and travel of naturalized citizens.
- The primary reason cited for the revocation is that Rabbi Kantor continued to use his U.S. nationality for international travel on 16 occasions after acquiring Thai citizenship.
- The ministry's order invokes Section 19(2) of the Nationality Act, asserting that Kantor's use of his U.S. passport breached his naturalization conditions.
- The decision was based on information from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), though it is separate from other DSI inquiries into Chabad-linked businesses.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday defended the order to revoke the Thai citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, a Jewish community leader and head of Thailand’s Chabad network, saying the action complies with the law.
Speaking at Parliament after signing the Interior Ministry notice, Anutin pointed to legal requirements governing people who acquire Thai citizenship, including their travel, conduct within the country and treatment of other people.
Officials to explain any further legal action
Anutin referred questions about the details of the revocation to the director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration.
Asked whether criminal proceedings would follow, he reiterated that any action must comply with the law and directed reporters to the officials handling the matter. He described his own role as setting policy.
“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,” Anutin said.
His remarks did not specify any criminal charges or announce a decision to prosecute Kantor.
Order cites continued use of US nationality
Anutin signed the order on October 28, 2026. The ministry cited information from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) that Kantor used his US nationality when travelling to or from Australia on 16 occasions after naturalisation. The latest occasion cited was January 26, 2026.
Kantor acquired Thai citizenship in 2013. The ministry maintained that his continued use of US nationality breached his naturalisation conditions and invoked Section 19(2) of the Nationality Act BE 2508 (1965).
The notice also referred to a DSI inquiry into conduct by naturalised citizens that could affect national security, including economic and social interests.
Separate inquiries into Chabad-linked activities
Separate investigations concern Chabad-linked businesses, property and finances, but the citizenship order does not announce criminal findings in those inquiries.
During inspections on October 8, Kantor described the foundation’s purpose as religious activities and assistance for tourists. That explanation preceded the citizenship order.
