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In a dramatic development, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed an order revoking the Thai citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, Chief Rabbi of Thailand and the country’s head Shliach, who has served the Jewish community in Thailand since 1993.

According to Thai authorities, the decision was based on allegations that Rabbi Kantor continued using his American nationality for international travel after becoming a naturalized Thai citizen in 2013, in violation of the conditions of his naturalization. The Interior Ministry cited 16 trips to and from Australia using his American nationality.

The dramatic move comes amid a period of increased scrutiny by Thai authorities, including searches at several locations in Bangkok as part of investigations into companies, property holdings and financial transactions linked to Chabad-related entities. Officials collected business and financial documents during the searches. As of the latest reports, authorities have not announced criminal findings in those separate investigations.

Chabad in Thailand issued the following statement:

“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 are grateful for its hospitality over the years.

“We regret this decision, and the matter is being addressed through the established legal channels, with full confidence in the Thai legal system.

“Chabad Houses throughout Thailand are operating as usual and will continue to warmly welcome every Jew who comes here.”

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