Jewish community alarmed as Thailand revokes top Chabad rabbi’s citizenship after 30 years of leadership

Thailand has revoked the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the country’s leading Chabad representative for more than three decades, amid an escalating investigation into Jewish institutions and mounting anti-Israel protests.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order Wednesday, accusing Kantor of violating naturalization requirements by continuing to use his American citizenship after becoming a Thai citizen in 2013. Authorities cited 16 instances of travel using his US citizenship.

The decision follows raids on Chabad offices, Jewish organizations and a historic Bangkok synagogue undergoing reconstruction. Investigators are examining suspected foreign-ownership violations, business registrations and funding sources, although Kantor’s citizenship revocation is not based on those allegations.

The developments have alarmed Thailand’s Jewish community, particularly as protests targeting Chabad in Phuket have featured anti-Israel and, at times, antisemitic slogans. Kantor has not publicly responded, while Chabad maintains it is cooperating with authorities.

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