PM Revokes Thai Citizenship of Jewish Leader Joseph Hem Canter
Prime Minister Anutin revoked Thai citizenship of Jewish leader Joseph Hem Canter for repeatedly using his U.S. passport, violating naturalization terms.
On October 29, 2026, media reported that on October 28, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a Ministry of Interior announcement revoking the Thai citizenship of Joseph Hem Canter, who originally held U.S. nationality.
Details show that Mr. Joseph Hem Canter, a Thai national (formerly U.S. national), acquired Thai citizenship through naturalization under Section 10 of the Nationality Act B.E. 2508. He continued to use his original nationality, evidenced by the fact that his Thai citizenship was officially granted via Royal Gazette announcement on April 11, 2013, and his first Thai national ID card was issued on May 2, 2013.
However, information from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Ministry of Justice, revealed an investigation into foreigners who obtained Thai citizenship and engaged in activities potentially affecting national security, both economically and socially. The investigation specified that Mr. Joseph Hem Canter used his U.S. nationality to travel to and from Australia continuously for 16 times (most recently January 26, 2026), constituting use of his original nationality in violation of naturalization conditions.
Mr. Joseph Hem Canter was aware of these conditions when he applied for Thai citizenship. This case therefore meets the criteria for citizenship revocation under Section 19(2) of the Nationality Act B.E. 2508, as there is evidence he continues to use his original (U.S.) nationality. If allowed to persist, this could cause severe harm to the public.
The Minister of Interior, exercising authority under Section 19, paragraph one, of the Nationality Act B.E. 2508, ordered the revocation of Mr. Joseph Hem Canter's Thai citizenship.
Mr. Joseph Hem Canter is a leader of the Jewish community and president of the Chabad network in Thailand.
