Anutin, as Minister of Interior, signed an order revoking the Thai citizenship of Joseph Hem Kanter due to violation of naturalization conditions. It was found that he repeatedly used his American passport to enter and exit the country, impacting economic and social security.
On 29 Oct 2026, reporters reported that Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, signed the Ministry of Interior's announcement revoking the Thai citizenship of Joseph Hem Kanter. Originally holding American nationality, the order dated 28 Oct 2026 states that
It has been found that Joseph Hem Kanter, a Thai national (formerly American), who acquired Thai nationality through naturalization under Section 10 of the Nationality Act B.E. 2508 (1965), has continued to use his original nationality. Records show he was granted full Thai nationality by Royal Gazette announcement on 11 Apr 2013 and received his first Thai ID card on 2 May 2013.
However, the Department of Special Investigation, Ministry of Justice, found during investigation that foreigners naturalized as Thai nationals engaged in activities potentially threatening the country's economic and social security, stating that Joseph Hem Kanter has traveled to and from Australia 16 times using his American nationality (most recently on 26 Jan 2026), which constitutes use of his original nationality in violation of the conditions for naturalization as Thai.
Joseph Hem Kanter was informed of these conditions at the time he applied for Thai naturalization. This case meets the criteria for revocation under Section 19 (2) of the Nationality Act B.E. 2508, as there is evidence he continues to use his original American nationality. Delaying action could cause serious harm to the public and nation. Therefore, the Minister of Interior, under authority of Section 19, paragraph one of the Nationality Act B.E. 2508, revokes the Thai citizenship of Joseph Hem Kanter.
Reports indicate that Joseph Hem Kanter is a leader of the Jewish community and chairman of the Chabad network in Thailand.
