Thailand revokes citizenship of Chabad leader Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor as crackdown continues

Thailand revoked the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, head of Chabad in Thailand, on October 28, 2026. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order under Section 19(2) of the Nationality Act, citing Kantor's continued use of his American passport after naturalization. The move follows raids on Chabad institutions in Bangkok and protests in Phuket.

Thailand has revoked the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the head of Chabad in Thailand, as part of a broader crackdown on Chabad institutions. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order on Wednesday, October 28, alleging that Kantor continued to use his American citizenship after becoming a naturalized Thai citizen in 2013. According to an investigation by Thailand's Justice Ministry, Kantor used his American passport on 16 occasions when entering and leaving Australia, most recently on January 26, 2026. The order cites Section 19(2) of Thailand's Nationality Act, which addresses conduct that threatens national security, the economy, or society. The decision follows a series of raids in early October by Thailand's Department of Special Investigation, police, and tax authorities on Chabad institutions in Bangkok, including the Beit Elisheva Synagogue complex. Authorities seized documents and examined business registrations, focusing on suspected use of Thai nominees to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions. The order does not accuse Kantor of involvement in the financial offenses under investigation. Protests have been organized against the Chabad House in Phuket, with demonstrators using anti-Israel and antisemitic slogans. Kantor has not yet issued an official response.