Jewish life in Thailand stretches back centuries, from merchants recorded in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in the 17th century to German Jewish refugees admitted in the 1930s, and from the formal establishment of the Jewish Association of Thailand in 1964 to a vibrant community today.
Rabbi Yosef Kantor established Chabad in Thailand more than 30 years ago and serves as Chief Rabbi of the Jewish community of Thailand. Throughout that time, Thailand has been home to him and his family. We respect the Kingdom of Thailand, its laws, its institutions, and the Thai people, and we are grateful for the Kingdom’s hospitality over the years.
In addition to serving Jewish travelers and residents, Rabbi Kantor has led the Jewish community’s efforts to help the Thai people through floods, a tsunami, and a pandemic, as well as the challenges of everyday life.
We are saddened by the decision to revoke Rabbi Kantor’s citizenship. We are addressing the matter through the proper legal channels, with full confidence in the Thai legal system, and we look forward to continuing to work together with the Thai authorities and people for many years to come.
Chabad Houses and synagogues in Thailand are operating as usual. They will continue to warmly welcome every Jew who comes here and to help all the people of Thailand.
Chabad of Thailand