Phonphir revealed that the Department of Provincial Administration and the DSI are accelerating investigations into Joseph's heirs following his Thai nationality revocation. They have found 19 companies under ownership review. If shareholdings exceed legal limits, these will be deemed nominee holdings, with asset seizure, freezing, and compulsory sale to follow.
At 07:45 on 30 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Phonphir Suwanchavee, Deputy Minister of Interior, gave an interview at Military Airport 2, Wing 6 (Wing 6) in Don Mueang regarding the nationality revocation. Joseph Heim Kantor (Rabbi Joseph Heim Kantor), leader of the Jewish community and chairman of the Chabad network in Thailand, . said the Prime Minister has signed the order officially, based on the case file the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) sent to the Department of Provincial Administration.
We have confirmed that after he acquired Thai nationality, he still used American nationality. Currently, the Department of Provincial Administration is reviewing who among Joseph's heirs and those granted Thai nationality after him are involved. Since Joseph committed offenses, we must check if his descendants and relatives in Thailand holding Thai nationality are also implicated. If so, we will take similar actions.
Regarding Joseph's assets held while he had Thai nationality, Phonphir stated that if possession was illegal under Thai law, each land parcel's acquisition date will be reviewed. If ownership occurred during his Thai nationality and involved wrongdoing, the Department of Lands will enforce land sales. We are now investigating at the Department of Provincial Administration, and have found 19 companies. The Department of Lands and the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce are integrating data to expedite case closure. If shareholdings exceed legal ratios, the companies will be deemed nominees. Regarding whether these 19 companies branch into others holding shares, the DSI and Department of Lands are compiling information. If offenses are confirmed, we will seize, freeze, and forcibly sell assets according to law. .