UPDATE: Visa revoked of American who funded the Phuket ‘seastead’

The Visa of the Michigan-based American man, who funded the ‘seasteading’ structure off the coast of Phuket, has been revoked while investigations continue into the legality of the matter. The factory that built the ‘seastead’ has been found with no license to build such a structure.

The Phuket Immigration Chief Col Katathorn Kamthieng says, “The American man who has invested in the ‘seasteading’ entered Thailand with a Non-Immigrant Visa for 90 days.”

“His registered place is in Phuket but we haven’t found him at his accommodation. He entered Phuket at the end of last year.”

“His permit to stay in Thailand is now been revoked while the investigation continues. We believe he is still in Thailand. We are trying to contact him.”

The Chief of Phuket Industrial Office Watcharin Chaiyanupong says, “The ‘seastead’ was built at a factory in Baan Ko-en in Mai Khao. We found that the factory has no license for maritime construction. It will be shut down.”

The Phuket Marine Office reports that they will issue an order for the demolision and removal of the structure within 30 days. The structure is attached to the seabed south-east of Koh Racha Yai.

Read more about the story HERE and HERE.