Thailand Revokes Citizenship of Chief Rabbi and Chabad Emissary
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Thailand's Prime Minister and Minister of Interior have revoked the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the country's Chief Rabbi and main Chabad emissary. The government alleges he violated local law by using his American passport after obtaining Thai citizenship. Chabad expressed sorrow but stated they trust the Thai legal system and will continue their community work.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thailand's Prime Minister and Minister of Interior revoked the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor.
- Rabbi Kantor served as Thailand's Chief Rabbi and main Chabad emissary for over 30 years.
- The Thai government claims Rabbi Kantor used his American passport after gaining Thai citizenship.
- The decision follows investigations into company activities, assets, and financial transactions in Bangkok.
- Chabad stated the matter is being handled through legal channels and their operations continue normally.
Thailand's Prime Minister and Minister of Interior have signed an order revoking the citizenship of the country's Chief Rabbi and main Chabad emissary, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor. Chabad in Thailand expressed sorrow over the decision, stating that the matter is being handled through legal channels. The Thai government claims Rabbi Kantor continued to use his American passport for travel even after receiving Thai citizenship, which is against local law. Rabbi Kantor has been serving in Thailand as an emissary of the Rebbe of Lubavitch since 1993.
The decision follows a period where authorities raided various locations in Bangkok as part of an investigation into company activities, assets, and financial transactions. Business documents were seized during these raids, but no criminal findings have been reported to date.
Chabad in Thailand issued a statement saying, "Rabbi Kantor has served the Jewish community in Thailand for over 30 years, and Thailand is his and his family's home. We respect the Kingdom of Thailand, its laws, and its institutions, and are grateful for its hospitality over the years."
The statement continued, "The decision saddens us, and the matter is being handled through the accepted legal channels, with full trust in the Thai system. Chabad houses in Thailand are operating as usual and will continue to warmly welcome every Jew and every Israeli who arrives here."
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