Overview
- Thai authorities formally revoked Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor’s naturalised Thai citizenship on Thursday, citing repeated use of his U.S. passport after his 2013 naturalisation.
- The interior minister’s order, signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, relies on a provision that allows stripping naturalised status when a former nationality is still used for travel.
- Investigators earlier this month searched Chabad-linked and other Jewish-linked premises in Bangkok and seized business documents as part of probes into suspected nominee companies and proxy-held property.
- Officials say no criminal wrongdoing has been proven against Rabbi Kantor or Chabad and Chabad has said it will challenge the decision through Thailand’s courts while its centres remain open.
- The move follows an October 1 revocation of another naturalised citizen and builds on new rules introduced in August to speed deportations and increase enforcement of foreign-controlled assets.