Thailand Revokes Citizenship for Israeli National After Seven Years

Thailand has revoked the citizenship of Israeli national Ariel Bluestein, who obtained it through naturalization in 2019. The decision, signed by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, cites Bluestein's use of his Israeli passport after becoming a Thai citizen and allegations of concealing his Uruguayan citizenship. Thai media identified Bluestein as a businessman involved in the diamond and jewelry trade in Bangkok.

According to the Thai Ministry of Interior, Bluestein received his Thai ID card on June 14, 2019, the same day he departed for Hong Kong using his Israeli passport. He returned to Thailand on June 23, also presenting his Israeli passport. Authorities deemed this a continuation of using his previous citizenship after acquiring Thai nationality. While Thai law permits naturalized citizens to retain foreign passports under certain conditions, they are obligated to use their Thai passport when entering and exiting the country.

The Ministry of Interior also stated that Bluestein held Uruguayan citizenship and used his Uruguayan passport for international travel before applying for Thai naturalization, but failed to disclose this to Thai authorities. The revocation is based on Article 19 of the 1965 Citizenship Act, with officials emphasizing that the issue is not merely dual citizenship but the continued use of a previous nationality and the withholding of crucial information during the naturalization process. No criminal offenses, arrests, or deportations have been reported.

The case is unusual due to the seven-year gap between Bluestein's naturalization and the revocation, with the actions leading to the decision occurring shortly after he gained citizenship. Bluestein has not publicly commented on the decision, and his legal representatives' stance has not been disclosed. The Thai authorities' claims regarding the concealment of Uruguayan citizenship and the violation of naturalization terms are presented as their official position.

This decision occurs amidst a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of Israeli tourists and Jewish institutions in Thailand. Recent months have seen heightened campaigns against foreign tourist behavior, foreign property ownership, and foreign-affiliated businesses, with Israelis becoming a focal point. Demonstrations have occurred outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok, and an event at a Chabad house in Phuket was canceled due to security concerns. Thai authorities have also initiated checks on the Chabad house's operations and are reviewing the licensing of a new Jewish cemetery near Bangkok. Concurrently, Thailand reduced the visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 countries, including Israel, to 30 days, citing national security and economic interests.

While the Ministry of Interior's decision against Bluestein cites specific passport and naturalization-related issues, there is no evidence to suggest it was initiated due to his Israeli origin or the current political climate. However, the case serves as a concerning signal to Israelis living in or visiting Thailand, demonstrating the authorities' willingness to apply citizenship regulations to naturalized foreigners years after they have obtained Thai passports.