Thailand widens probe into businesses and property linked to Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor after revoking his citizenship over U.S. passport use

Thai authorities have expanded a multi-agency investigation into businesses, land holdings and financial transactions linked to Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor and the Chabad network after the government revoked his Thai citizenship this week.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the citizenship revocation order on Oct. 28 under Section 19(2) of Thailand’s Nationality Act.

The Interior Ministry said Kantor, who became a naturalized Thai citizen in 2013, continued using his U.S. nationality for international travel. The Department of Special Investigation said he used U.S. travel documents on 16 trips involving Australia after his naturalization, most recently in January 2026.

Separate investigations are examining corporate ownership structures, land purchases, donations, tax records and financial transactions involving Gan Chabad and related businesses.

Authorities have said they are investigating whether Thai shareholders in some companies were acting as nominees for foreign investors, which could violate restrictions on foreign ownership. Searches earlier in October uncovered records for more than 60 companies registered at one Bangkok address, with some sharing directors or shareholders.

The Department of Special Investigation, Department of Lands, Department of Business Development and other agencies are involved in the inquiries.

Thai authorities have not announced criminal findings against Kantor, his relatives or Gan Chabad in the separate business and property investigations.

Kantor has led Chabad activities in Thailand for more than three decades. Chabad says its operations in the country provide religious, social and educational services to Jewish residents and visitors.