Thailand Revokes Citizenship of Chabad Leader Amidst Growing Pressure
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Thailand's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has revoked the Thai citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, head of Chabad in Thailand, citing alleged violations of naturalization terms related to his use of a U.S. passport. This action occurs amidst a broader crackdown on Chabad and the Jewish community, including investigations into business practices and protests in Phuket. Rabbi Kantor, who has lived in Thailand for over three decades, has not yet responded, while Chabad stated its cooperation with authorities.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thailand revoked the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, head of Chabad in the country.
- The revocation is based on alleged violations of naturalization terms regarding passport usage.
- The move follows a series of investigations and raids on Chabad and Jewish community institutions.
- Protests with anti-Israeli slogans have also occurred against Chabad in Phuket.
- The decision is seen by community sources as an escalation of pressure on Israelis and Jews in Thailand.
Thailand has escalated pressure on its Jewish and Israeli communities by revoking the Thai citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the long-standing head of Chabad in the country. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order, published Wednesday, to strip Rabbi Kantor of his citizenship based on a technicality. The Interior Ministry claims Rabbi Kantor violated the terms of his naturalization and the nationality law by using his American passport 16 times for entries and exits to Australia after becoming a Thai citizen in 2013, with the last instance occurring on January 26 of this year.
The move comes amid an unprecedented wave of investigations, raids, and public criticism targeting Chabad and the Jewish community in Thailand. In early October, a joint operation involving the Department of Special Investigations (DSI), police, and tax authorities raided multiple Chabad locations in Bangkok, including Chabad's foundation, "Gan Chabad" offices, and the Association of Thai Jews. Investigators seized documents, examined company records, and found foreign workers without permits. The investigations reportedly focus on allegations of using Thai "straw men" to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions in business and real estate, as well as examining funding sources and donations.
Separately, protests against the Chabad center in Patong, Phuket, have occurred, featuring anti-Israeli and sometimes anti-Jewish slogans, stemming from unproven claims regarding land ownership and business activities. However, the Interior Ministry's decision against Rabbi Kantor is based solely on the passport usage claim, with no mention of business dealings.
Minister Anutin defended the decision in parliament, stating it was conducted legally and that naturalized citizens must adhere to all conditions regarding travel and conduct. Rabbi Kantor, who arrived in Thailand in 1993 and has been a central figure in providing religious services, kosher food, and support to Jews and Israelis, has not yet issued a formal response. Chabad in Thailand has previously stated its cooperation with investigations and that it has nothing to hide. Community sources view the revocation of Rabbi Kantor's citizenship as a worrying new phase in the ongoing pressure on Israelis and Jews in Thailand, extending from business investigations to challenging the legal status of individuals who have lived in the country for decades.
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