BANGKOK, April 19 (TNA) – The Royal Thai Navy has launched
an investigation into a sea home built in the Andaman Sea by an American man
and his Thai partner which is deemed violating Thai sovereignty.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has instructed the
Royal Thai Navy to launch a probe into the floating home, said Defense Ministry
Spokesman Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanich on Friday.
The structure belongs to American man Chad Elwartowski and
his Thai girlfriend, Supranee Thepdet, who sought to be pioneers in the
“seasteading” movement, which promotes living in international waters to be
free of any nation’s laws.
Elwartowski reportedly claims that the sea home is out of
Thai jurisdiction.
Lt Gen Kongcheep said the Royal Thai Navy would examine
legalities surrounding the case and take legal steps in accordance with
international law.
The sea home, which sits atop a 20-meter platform, is
located 22.2 kilometers off the coast of Koh Racha Yai island and built without
permission from Thai authorities, he said.
The US man and his partner also built some 20 platforms for
more sea homes under the so-called “seasteading” movement, said Lt
Gen Kongcheep.
According to reports, the structure was built in February
until it was discovered by the Navy this week.
Elwartowski and Supranee are said to have been in hiding.(TNA)
