2007 Ron Paul Forum alumni "Elwar" is in big trouble - Help is needed

[Anti Federalist]

Not sure what, if anything can be done, but this needed more attention.

Mods: please leave up in GP for a few days at least to generate some views. Thanks.

Please check out this thread and information:

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?528517-Looking-for-the-first-seasteaders&p=6785014#post6785014

Seasteaders Bitcoin Girl Thailand and Chad Elwartowski Plead for Lives, Legal Help

https://coinspice.io/news/seasteaders-bitcoin-girl-thailand-and-chad-elwartowski-plead-for-lives-legal-help/

https://coinspice.io/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bgirlchadfeai-696x392.png

[Swordsmyth]

Maybe Rand could do something?

[Anti Federalist]

Maybe Rand could do something?

Couldn't hurt to ask him.

Do we have anybody left around that could reach out to him?

[Swordsmyth]

Couldn't hurt to ask him.

Do we have anybody left around that could reach out to him? Bryan talks with him sometimes.

[Anti Federalist]

Bryan talks with him sometimes.

Let's hope he checks in.

Anybody that I knew that was in the loop are all long gone from here.

[Swordsmyth]

Let's hope he checks in.

Anybody that I knew that was in the loop are all long gone from here.
Does anyone here have contact with Massie or Mike Lee?

[Swordsmyth]

Does anyone here have contact with Massie or Mike Lee?
Or Amash?

[Schifference]

I thought he wanted to get away from government.

[timosman]

I thought he wanted to get away from government.

Is there any truth to the government claims the distance from the shore being only 12NM?

https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1662880/navy-to-remove-seasteading-floating-home-off-phuket-coast

[Schifference]

Is there any truth to the government claims the distance from the shore being only 12NM?

https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1662880/navy-to-remove-seasteading-floating-home-off-phuket-coast

Had he been 30 NM it would not have mattered. It would be one larger country against a tiny pillar off their coast. The law is in favor of the prosecutor.

[jkr]

Calling Massie's office first thing Monday morning!

This is crazy

They cant just leave us alone

[Anti Federalist]

Calling Massie's office first thing Monday morning!

This is crazy

They cant just leave us alone

Thanks.

[specsaregood]

Thanks.

This is not an "I toldja so", I wish Elwar nothing but the best. BUT:

Isn't this type of reaction exactly what you predicted would befall all these seasteading ideas?

[Anti Federalist]

This is not an "I toldja so", I wish Elwar nothing but the best. BUT:

Isn't this type of reaction exactly what you predicted would befall all these seasteading ideas?

Yes...by the numbers

[Anti Globalist]

Hope everything works out ok for them.

[Swordsmyth]

I thought he wanted to get away from government.
You can't, they won't let you and it requires one of your own to successfully fight them.

[jkr]

What about Peter Thiel?

I mean I know no one here has his ear but isn't this kind of his baby?

#FREEtheSEA

[oyarde]

Best of luck to Elwar .

[Matt Collins]

Have they renounced US citizenship? If they haven't then the US embassy would be who they need to contact.


No offense, but when someone goes off and does something like this, what do they expect? Unless they are trying to become martyrs and bring attention to the fact that governments are evil and aggressive, it was a foregone conclusion that a government would pursue them.

[dannno]

Have they renounced US citizenship? If they haven't then the US embassy would be who they need to contact.

I believe he is a US citizen, not 100% sure, and I think she has Thai citizenship.

[Matt Collins]

CNN just did a story on him:


https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/19/asia/thai-sea-home-us-bitcoin-trader-scli-intl/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/19/asia/thai-sea-home-us-bitcoin-trader-scli-intl/index.html?utm_content=2019-04-21T21%3A29%3A01&utm_term=link&utm_source=fbCNN&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR2iSKdtQpzfE0FYM4UKuezQZJTzskO3YktlNFlkB n7xhg7W1Rr2j2Eghtc)

[phill4paul]

CNN just did a story on him:


https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/19/asia/thai-sea-home-us-bitcoin-trader-scli-intl/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/19/asia/thai-sea-home-us-bitcoin-trader-scli-intl/index.html?utm_content=2019-04-21T21%3A29%3A01&utm_term=link&utm_source=fbCNN&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR2iSKdtQpzfE0FYM4UKuezQZJTzskO3YktlNFlkB n7xhg7W1Rr2j2Eghtc)

So Thai immigration law can come with a death penalty? Didn't know that.

[ThePaleoLibertarian]

This is the issue with seastedding. As impractical as it is, it's actually a decent idea. But then some corrupt government full of ladyboy fuckers comes along and says some tiny structure is somehow a threat to sovereignty, in waters they don't own. This is why it won't work. Very sad and I hope he escapes somehow.

[Schifference]

This is the issue with seastedding. As impractical as it is, it's actually a decent idea. But then some corrupt government full of ladyboy $#@!ers comes along and says some tiny structure is somehow a threat to sovereignty, in waters they don't own. This is why it won't work. Very sad and I hope he escapes somehow.

Suppose for a minute that Seasteading became very popular and millions of people set up their Seastead 12NM off the coast of Thailand. Would that have an adverse effect on Thailand?

[ThePaleoLibertarian]

Suppose for a minute that Seasteading became very popular and millions of people set up their Seastead 12NM off the coast of Thailand. Would that have an adverse effect on Thailand?
Yeah, probably.

[Danke]

I say we send in oyarde.

[Superfluous Man]

So Thai immigration law can come with a death penalty? Didn't know that.

There are some here who support shooting people suspected of illegally crossing a border on site without a trial.

[PAF]

There are some here who support shooting people suspected of illegally crossing a border on site without a trial.

Indeed, which is why I do not hang around here so much anymore. The STATISTS, no matter what their screen name is or how they try to sell it have nothing to do with this sites mission, freedom and liberty. They are jack-booted thugs no different than the Fed, LEO and NWO.

Most of the liberty folks I know have fled this forum some time ago with only a few of us left.

[nikcers]

Indeed, which is why I do not hang around here so much anymore. The STATISTS, no matter what their screen name is or how they try to sell it have nothing to do with this sites mission, freedom and liberty. They are jack-booted thugs no different than the Fed, LEO and NWO.

Most of the liberty folks I know have fled this forum some time ago with only a few of us left.

Wouldn't you prefer to fight them over there instead of over here?

[Brian4Liberty]

CNN just did a story on him:

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/19/asia/thai-sea-home-us-bitcoin-trader-scli-intl/index.html


Thailand's navy has said the pair are threatening the country's sovereignty. "By claiming they own a floating house and using social media tried to sell this kind of house, also they claimed that their house is not under any country's sovereignty, which is not true. And this could cause other people to misunderstand and it is threatening our national security," said Colonel Kataporn Kumthieng, the chief of Phuket's Immigration office.

Is the threat of death penalty the official position of the Thai government, or just some Colonel in an immigration office?

[jkr]

called Tom's office

g00d
vibes
go out

[Anti Federalist]

There are some here who support shooting people suspected of illegally crossing a border on site without a trial.

Someone invades my home in the middle of the night with ill intent gets no trial.

[Superfluous Man]

Someone invades my home in the middle of the night with ill intent gets no trial.

Let's hope the government of Thailand does a better job than some here of recognizing how entering the territory a government considers itself sovereign over is not the same as entering a person's home.

[PAF]

Someone invades my home in the middle of the night with ill intent gets no trial.

That 2,000 mile stretch north of the Rio Grande, and unused public land out west and in Alaska... so you have a Private Property Deed to all of that? If so then I back you.

[nikcers]

That 2,000 mile stretch north of the Rio Grande, and unused public land out west and in Alaska... so you have a Private Property Deed to all of that? If so then I back you.

If you commit a crime there is it invalid because no one lives there?

[nikcers]

Justaskingforafriend

[Danke]

Thai Navy Tows Home Of Fugitive American Seasteader


April 22, 2019 by Reuters (https://gcaptain.com/author/reuters/)


http://3kbo302xo3lg2i1rj8450xje-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/r-800x533.jpeg (http://3kbo302xo3lg2i1rj8450xje-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/r.jpeg)
A Royal Thai navy ship drags a floating home, lived in by an American man and his Thai partner, in the Andaman Sea, off Phuket Island in Thailand, April 22, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer


By Panu Wongcha-um (Reuters) – Thailand’s navy on Monday began towing to shore the floating cabin of a fugitive U.S. citizen and his Thai girlfriend (https://gcaptain.com/sea-home-thailand-dispute/), both prominent members of the “seasteading” movement who face possible death sentences for setting up their offshore home.


The cabin set on top of a spar 14 nautical miles off the Thai island of Phuket had been touted as milestone in the movement to build floating communities in international waters as a way to explore alternative societies and governments.


Authorities have revoked the visa of bitcoin trader Chad Elwartowski, 46, and charged him and his partner, Supranee Thepdet, with violating Thai sovereignty, punishable by the death penalty or life in prison.


The Royal Thai Navy dispatched three boats on Monday to dismantle the structure and bring it back to shore for use as evidence in the government’s case against the couple.


“The couple announced on social media declaring their autonomy beyond the jurisdiction of any courts or law of any countries, including Thailand,” Rear Admiral Vithanarat Kochaseni told reporters, adding they had invited others to join them.


“We see such action as deteriorating Thailand’s independence,” he said.


HTMS Mannai, a landing craft utility ship, was expected to return to Phuket with the six-meter (20 ft) wide, hexagon-shaped cabin by late Monday.


Elwartowski and Supranee lived in the cabin for two months and left before the Thai navy raided the structure on April 13.


Their whereabouts are unknown, though the government has said the pair is believed to be in Thailand.


Elwartowski has referred requests for comment to Ocean Builders, which funded and built the cabin, and the Seasteading Institute, which advocates building offshore floating cities and originally received backing from PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel.


Ocean Builders said on its website the cabin was in international waters and beyond Thailand’s jurisdiction. Thai authorities say the structure is within its 200-mile exclusive economic zone and therefore a violation of its sovereignty.


Joe Quirk, president of the Seasteading Institute, said the couple had achieved a milestone for the movement.


“They proved a single-family seastead can float stably in international waters for less than the cost of the average American home,” Quirk said in a statement.


Elwartowski also conducted valuable research on ecosystems over the two months the couple lived in the cabin, he said.


“You can demolish the seastead, but you can’t demolish the knowledge that was gained,” said Quirk, who is described by his group as a “seavangelist” and an “aquapreneur”.


Additional reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat. Editing by Kay Johnson and Darren Schuettler


Filed Under: Blog (https://gcaptain.com/category/blog-3/) Tagged With: seasteading (https://gcaptain.com/tag/seasteading/), Thailand (https://gcaptain.com/tag/thailand/)


https://gcaptain.com/thai-navy-tows-home-of-fugitive-american-seasteader (https://gcaptain.com/thai-navy-tows-home-of-fugitive-american-seasteader/)

[Anti Federalist]

called Tom's office

g00d
vibes
go out

+rep

I'm outta ammo, somebody cover me please

[oyarde]

I say we send in oyarde.

I am not sure I thoroughly understand but I think he is not in custody . They are saying they are revoking his visa . Let us say they have valid passports , if so I would see what kind of airports are available in Laos , start walking and get out of Siam , Malaysia , Cambodia and the rest of the armpit of that entire region and catch a flight into India or something where he would just be regarded a pale tourist until he can get somewhere better . If he can get here I can give him a beer and help he find a more suitable handle than Elwartowski if he is planning on a lifetime of an international crime spree like squatting inside the 200 mile economic zone of Siam. In the old days I would walk into Pakistan from India and Laos from Nam . My advice would be get the fuck out , yesterday . Waiting to see about help puts you in a defensive position making it easier for the govt to find you . When they find you they are intending to jail you even before charges so then you cannot escape .

[oyarde]

Suppose for a minute that Seasteading became very popular and millions of people set up their Seastead 12NM off the coast of Thailand. Would that have an adverse effect on Thailand?

I dunno . They would be buying things from the place closest to them so .......

[Schifference]

I dunno . They would be buying things from the place closest to them so .......

The Seastead could set up a barricade and charge a toll for anyone that wanted to go to the island.

[oyarde]

+rep

I'm outta ammo, somebody cover me please

Covered

[Schifference]

That structure is no island. There are no trees, forests, deserts, mountains. There is no place to hide and no place to go. How is it that the residents were not there when SHTF? Did someone tip them off? Did they know the raid or arrest warrants were in effect ahead of time? Why would they be away from their paradise? Did they leave often? Do they vacation on a yacht that is bigger than their Seastead? It is not like they went out for a walk or down the street to pick up a pack of smokes.

[invisible]

Gee, why isn't anyone proposing asking trump to help in this situation?

[juleswin]

Gee, why isn't anyone proposing asking trump to help in this situation?

Maybe because nobody here is close to Trump? The better question is why isn't anyone calling Rand's office. Trump is a long shot for his position alone but calling Rand should be a no brainer.

Thanks to the people that called their representatives, I hope he and his property gets released and he can go on living his sea steader life.

Edit: Oops, Swords already asked if anyone can contact Rand.

[juleswin]

If you commit a crime there is it invalid because no one lives there?

Depends on the crime, can he trespass on the land? I think the answer is NO if its on an open to the public land.

[specsaregood]

Gee, why isn't anyone proposing asking trump to help in this situation?

Why would trump help? One is not an American citizen and the other wants to live outside the US control/meddling? You can't very well disassociate from one then ask it for help later. I say this as one that has nothing but respect for them trying and taking that risk.

[ATruepatriot]

Why would trump help? One is not an American citizen and the other wants to live outside the US control/meddling? You can't very well disassociate from one then ask it for help later. I say this as one that has nothing but respect for them trying and taking that risk.

My curiosity in watching this discussion is with the idea that any politician like Trump or even Rand is even going to start or risk an international relations issue for one person who made his own decisions. What are they supposed to do? threaten sanctions? Represent the U.S. in a conflict to protect this one unfortunate gentleman? At some point reality comes into play.

[Matt Collins]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7CvEt51fz4


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg2VZIPfX0U

[dannno]

My curiosity in watching this discussion is with the idea that any politician like Trump or even Rand is even going to start or risk an international relations issue for one person who made his own decisions. What are they supposed to do? threaten sanctions? Represent the U.S. in a conflict to protect this one unfortunate gentleman? At some point reality comes into play.

Rand, or Massie/Amash could try and contact the Thai govt. and try and work something out. It would be difficult for somebody who isn't a politician to do that.

[ATruepatriot]

Rand, or Massie/Amash could try and contact the Thai govt. and try and work something out. It would be difficult for somebody who isn't a politician to do that.

Realistically, Does anyone really think they have time to make all this effort for one expat? Don't get me wrong... I see the brotherly love and direct connection with this situation. But at some point it has to be realized that it is out of their hands and there really is not much they can really do to another nation to help this individual without threats. It very well could be a pipe dream to even think so.

How are they going to work something out? What do they have to offer? Do they even have the legal power to offer or make deals? Are they to pull a Kerry and make deals behind the back of the U.S. in international relations. It's a nice thought and I wish it might be possible but again, at some point reality has to come into play with these things. They just don't care enough or have the time to upset international relations over this.

Unfortunately... They do not hold the purism and principles "to the last man" you are expecting them to hold. They have bigger fish to fry in the "bigger picture". But I would suggest that if you really want to try... Hit them on Twitter, because any other way will be absolutely fruitless and be completely ignored.

[dannno]

Realistically, Does anyone really think they have time to make all this effort for one expat? Don't get me wrong... I see the brotherly love and direct connection with this situation. But at some point it has to be realized that it is out of their hands and there really is not much they can really do to another nation to help this individual without threats. It very well could be a pipe dream to even think so.

How are they going to work something out? What do they have to offer? Do they even have the legal power to offer or make deals? Are they to pull a Kerry and make deals behind the back of the U.S. in international relations. It's a nice thought and I wish it might be possible but again, at some point reality has to come into play with these things. They just don't care enough or have the time to upset international relations over this.

Unfortunately... They do not hold the purism and principles "to the last man" you are expecting them to hold. They have bigger fish to fry in the "bigger picture". But I would suggest that if you really want to try... Hit them on Twitter, because any other way will be absolutely fruitless and be completely ignored.

Ya we don't know the answer to any of those questions, which is precisely why calling them and talking to them is the best course of action.

[specsaregood]

Ya we don't know the answer to any of those questions, which is precisely why calling them and talking to them is the best course of action.

More like having them call the state department or our Ambassador to Thailand and asking them to get involved would probably be the proper/best course of action.

[dannno]

More like having them call the state department or our Ambassador to Thailand and asking them to get involved would probably be the proper/best course of action.

Ya, whatever they do is fine.. the point is if the Thai govt. doesn't get a call, then they won't think anybody here cares and they might mess with him more.

[ATruepatriot]

Ya we don't know the answer to any of those questions, which is precisely why calling them and talking to them is the best course of action.


More like having them call the state department or our Ambassador to Thailand and asking them to get involved would probably be the proper/best course of action.

Honestly... I would love to hear that you did some good... Please keep me updated on how it goes...

[ATruepatriot]

Ya, whatever they do is fine.. the point is if the Thai govt. doesn't get a call, then they won't think anybody here cares and they might mess with him more.

And it could cause animosity making his situation even worse. There are whole lot of personal egos involved with this to consider, A local authority in Thailand might be up for reelection and using this as a plank. There is always a bigger picture in reality.

[angelatc]

More like having them call the state department or our Ambassador to Thailand and asking them to get involved would probably be the proper/best course of action.

The embassy is already involved, according to the article. I think bribes would be the quickest path to expedition.

[Schifference]

The embassy is already involved, according to the article. I think bribes would be the quickest path to expedition.

It is a good thing he is independently wealthy affording him the capability of paying a huge bribe.

[Anti Federalist]

Honestly... I would love to hear that you did some good... Please keep me updated on how it goes...

Sometimes all it takes is a phone call from an "elected official" to grease the skids.

[shakey1]

Someone invades my home in the middle of the night with ill intent gets no trial.

... must spread rep

[shakey1]

+rep

I'm outta ammo, somebody cover me please

2-fer :cool:

[Swordsmyth]

My curiosity in watching this discussion is with the idea that any politician like Trump or even Rand is even going to start or risk an international relations issue for one person who made his own decisions. What are they supposed to do? threaten sanctions? Represent the U.S. in a conflict to protect this one unfortunate gentleman? At some point reality comes into play.
Rand spoke out for Asia Bibi who was not even an American, he could certainly ask that leniency be shown in this case as a favor to the US.
Bullying would be a bad idea but you can't go wrong in asking nicely.

[ATruepatriot]

Sometimes all it takes is a phone call from an "elected official" to grease the skids.

I'm trying to be positive. But after taking in all the factors in this it is pretty hard. Let's say they are convinced to leave him be, from what the article says he is smack dab in the middle of sea-lane traffic and going to get smacked someday. Anyone else catch this? No matter what the politics are, this alone would make me question my own wisdom. If you are parked in the middle of a freeway you are indeed going to get hit someday.

[Anti Federalist]

I'm trying to be positive. But after taking in all the factors in this it is pretty hard. Let's say they are convinced to leave him be, from what the article says he is smack dab in the middle of sea-lane traffic and going to get smacked someday. Anyone else catch this? No matter what the politics are, this alone would make me question my own wisdom. If you are parked in the middle of a freeway you are indeed going to get hit someday.

Oh, don't misunderstand me...they are not going to give him back his seastead platform anytime soon, or let him set up another.

I tried to warn him, with very specific reasons why this would not work out, from my view as an "expert" in the field.

I just hope the poor guy doesn't get thrown in a Thailand prison for the rest of his life...that's why I made this thread.

See, lots of other countries around the world have not lost their collective minds and take a pretty dim view of foreigners just waltzing in whenever they want and doing whatever they please.

[Anti Federalist]

I'm trying to be positive. But after taking in all the factors in this it is pretty hard. Let's say they are convinced to leave him be, from what the article says he is smack dab in the middle of sea-lane traffic and going to get smacked someday. Anyone else catch this? No matter what the politics are, this alone would make me question my own wisdom. If you are parked in the middle of a freeway you are indeed going to get hit someday.

And that was also what I was trying to warn him about...was it lighted and sounding proper sound signals in restricted visibility?

Did it have the required AIS transponder?

EPIRBs? Flares? Liferafts? VDRs?

What about waste? Was it MARPOL compliant?

The list of regulations and fatwas he may have run afoul of is almost endless.

[ATruepatriot]

Oh, don't misunderstand me...they are not going to give him back his seastead platform anytime soon, or let him set up another.

I tried to warn him, with very specific reasons why this would not work out, from my view as an "expert" in the field.

I just hope the poor guy doesn't get thrown in a Thailand prison for the rest of his life...that's why I made this thread.

See, lots of other countries around the world have not lost their collective minds and take a pretty dim view of foreigners just waltzing in whenever they want and doing whatever they please.

I agree... Losing the platform is plenty enough. I would never like to see it go to imprisonment for it.

[ATruepatriot]

And that was also what I was trying to warn him about...was it lighted and sounding proper sound signals in restricted visibility?

Did it have the required AIS transponder?

EPIRBs? Flares? Liferafts? VDRs?

What about waste? Was it MARPOL compliant?

The list of regulations and fatwas he may have run afoul of is almost endless.

I understand some of those regulations. And as much as I hate regulations some of those are actually for your own safety and self welfare. Never go out in the sticks without matches.

[Anti Federalist]

I understand some of those regulations. And as much as I hate regulations some of those are actually for your own safety and self welfare. Never go out in the sticks without matches.

Yeah, that's a good discussion for another thread, because there are many variables to that statement.

For the purposes of this thread, all that matters is that there are such regulations and brother Elwar has gotten himself in hot water by ignoring them.

[Swordsmyth]

I understand some of those regulations. And as much as I hate regulations some of those are actually for your own safety and self welfare. Never go out in the sticks without matches.
And some regulations are for the safety and welfare of others too, don't drive on the wrong side of the freeway is a good example.

[Schifference]

They could want to take an extremely firm position on this incident to discourage anyone else from wanting to do the same.

[Brian4Liberty]

Elwar has his own Heavy.com page...

https://heavy.com/news/2019/04/chad-elwartowski/

[Superfluous Man]

I just hope the poor guy doesn't get thrown in a Thailand prison for the rest of his life...that's why I made this thread.

See, lots of other countries around the world have not lost their collective minds and take a pretty dim view of foreigners just waltzing in whenever they want and doing whatever they please.

So, if he did get thrown in a Thai prison for the rest of his life as punishment for this victimless crime, that would indicate to you that Thailand had not lost its mind, while a country that would refrain from imprisoning him for this victimless crime has lost its mind?

[oyarde]

I hope Elwar has escaped .

[TheTexan]

See, lots of other countries around the world have not lost their collective minds and take a pretty dim view of foreigners just waltzing in whenever they want and doing whatever they please.

Imagine the horror, it would be just anarchy!

[Zippyjuan]

I hope Elwar has escaped .

From a few days ago: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2019/05/01/bitcoin-trader-chad-elwartowski-nadia-summergirl-seastead-still-running-from-thai-authorities/3643212002/


U.S. bitcoin trader and girlfriend still on the run after Thai authorities dismantle ocean platform home

A U.S. bitcoin trader who was living on a "seastead" platform off the coast of Thailand is still on the run since being forced to flee more than two weeks ago.

Chad Elwartowski, a Michigan native, and his girlfriend, who is Thai and goes by the English name Nadia Summergirl, had been on the vanguard of the "seastead" movement, which seeks to build platforms in the open ocean away from any country's rules and regulations.

"Nadia and I live in fear daily," Elwartowski told The Arizona Republic in an email interview. "We are still safe but we are in hiding. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has been very helpful and are providing assistance."

A U.S. State Department spokesperson would not confirm that the embassy was involved.

"We are aware of this case," the spokesperson said. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment."

Elwartowski, whose cousin, Charlotte Shaff, owns a Phoenix-area PR firm and helped publicize his case, said he believes the platform on which he and Summergirl had been living has been seized as evidence by Thai authorities and that the underlying support structure for it had been dismantled.

"All of mine and Nadia's possessions are on board," he said.




In a Facebook post over the weekend, Elwartowski said he and Summergirl have been "avoiding social media to avoid making any mistakes that may reveal our location."

He went to to say that, "when this all started I was quite disheartened. I never wanted an ordinary life, I wanted to be different, to be extraordinary. But when the response to my extraordinary life was a death sentence I felt that perhaps there was no place in this world for thinking differently, perhaps I should resign myself to an ordinary life and just go with the flow. Give up on freedom.

"But the outpouring of support that Nadia and I have received this past couple of weeks has been amazing. People from all walks of life, from all over the world have done some incredible things to help us … For that I am both grateful and humbled."

He concluded his post on a hopeful note:

"We will live," he said. "And we will continue to be extraordinary."

[Swordsmyth]

Imagine the horror, it would be just anarchy!
Which would turn into tyranny.

[TheTexan]

Which would turn into tyranny.

And we certainly wouldn't ever want that to happen!

[Anti Federalist]

So, if he did get thrown in a Thai prison for the rest of his life as punishment for this victimless crime, that would indicate to you that Thailand had not lost its mind, while a country that would refrain from imprisoning him for this victimless crime has lost its mind?

Punishment befitting of the crime.

One man trespassing into a foreign country's waters is different than an organized invasion of hundreds of thousands or millions of people.

You see, that's called real world common sense, looking at two different situations and realizing, that while there there may be similarities, the differences are greater and would warrant a different response.

[Anti Federalist]

"Nadia and I live in fear daily," Elwartowski told The Arizona Republic in an email interview. "We are still safe but we are in hiding. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has been very helpful and are providing assistance."

Now, if I wanted to be petty and small and a real shitlord, I could say at this point, like my many leftarian and ana-cap detractors like to do when "catching" me in a contradiction or a lapse in absolute philosophical purity, "well well well, look who has coming crawling back to The State and government to save their ass".

But I don't mean that, and I'm only using it to illustrate a point.

I want Elwar to escape this mess unscathed.

I want him to continue to experiment with ways in which live freely on personal level.

[Schifference]

The girlfriend seems like a legitimate candidate for asylum.

[Schifference]

It probably would have been less risky to be 15 miles off the coast of USA.

[Matt Collins]

It probably would have been less risky to be 15 miles off the coast of USA.
The US government would have done the same thing.

Coast Guard would have pulled up to an unflagged vessel and arrested them.

[dannno]

The US government would have done the same thing.

Coast Guard would have pulled up to an unflagged vessel and arrested them.

....and executed them?

[Working Poor]

(((((Brother Elwar and Sister Summer Girl)))))))

Prayer going out for your freedom. :pray:

[Swordsmyth]

Punishment befitting of the crime.

One man trespassing into a foreign country's waters is different than an organized invasion of hundreds of thousands or millions of people.

You see, that's called real world common sense, looking at two different situations and realizing, that while there there may be similarities, the differences are greater and would warrant a different response.
There is also a difference between someone who thought they were outside the jurisdiction of a country and someone who purposely trespasses.

[Zippyjuan]

There is also a difference between someone who thought they were outside the jurisdiction of a country and someone who purposely trespasses.

Asylum seekers are not trespassers. They knock on the door and ask if they can come in.

[Swordsmyth]

Asylum seekers are not trespassers. They knock on the door and ask if they can come in.
If they are lying about their asylum claim (as most of them are) they are trespassers and there are plenty of ordinary trespassers too.

[Zippyjuan]

If they are lying about their asylum claim (as most of them are) they are trespassers and there are plenty of ordinary trespassers too.

Courts will decide if they are legit or not.

[Anti Federalist]

Asylum seekers are not trespassers. They knock on the door and ask if they can come in.

Trespassing invaders.

https://www.melaniephillips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/migrants-try-to-storm-US-border-November-2018-.png

[Anti Federalist]

Courts will decide if they are legit or not.

And they can fuck right off back to where they came from until a court does decide.

[Swordsmyth]

Courts will decide if they are legit or not.
And most of them are not.

We also just need to pull in the welcome mat, we can't afford to grant asylum to all of the legitimate petitioners.

[eleganz]

Sorry, but am I the only one that finds this entire thing fishy?

Thailand trying track down an American to kill him because he was in international waters?

So...they found him, forced him to break down the seastead, let him go, and there is now an active manhunt for him? Am I missing something?

Thailand has a major tourism reputation to protect. Americans are some of the biggest travelers to the country. You'd think they would go through some official channels before trying to kill one of us.

I don't buy the story...the whole thing just felt off to me.

[Swordsmyth]

Sorry, but am I the only one that finds this entire thing fishy?

Thailand trying track down an American to kill him because he was in international waters?

So...they found him, forced him to break down the seastead, let him go, and there is now an active manhunt for him? Am I missing something?

Thailand has a major tourism reputation to protect. Americans are some of the biggest travelers to the country. You'd think they would go through some official channels before trying to kill one of us.

I don't buy the story...the whole thing just felt off to me.
I have had questions about it too but I don't know enough to say more than just that I have questions.

[dannno]

Sorry, but am I the only one that finds this entire thing fishy?

Thailand trying track down an American to kill him because he was in international waters?

So...they found him, forced him to break down the seastead, let him go, and there is now an active manhunt for him? Am I missing something?

Thailand has a major tourism reputation to protect. Americans are some of the biggest travelers to the country. You'd think they would go through some official channels before trying to kill one of us.

I don't buy the story...the whole thing just felt off to me.

I didn't hear anything about them finding him and letting him go.

[specsaregood]

Sorry, but am I the only one that finds this entire thing fishy?

Thailand trying track down an American to kill him because he was in international waters?

So...they found him, forced him to break down the seastead, let him go, and there is now an active manhunt for him? Am I missing something?

Thailand has a major tourism reputation to protect. Americans are some of the biggest travelers to the country. You'd think they would go through some official channels before trying to kill one of us.

I don't buy the story...the whole thing just felt off to me.

Somehow they got tipped off that the govt was coming and fled beforehand. they were not there when the officials tore down the seastead.

[Schifference]

Do Oil Rigs sport Flags? What country was drilling oil there before? Is the entire incident based on not flying colors?

[specsaregood]

Do Oil Rigs sport Flags? What country was drilling oil there before? Is the entire incident based on not flying colors?

Yes they do. They also don't declare themselves independent and arguably invite the aggression.

[oyarde]

Do Oil Rigs sport Flags? What country was drilling oil there before? Is the entire incident based on not flying colors?

Ya , they pay taxes , fees , licenses I am sure and are of a certain country and not whatever they want to make up so they are going to be good to go .

[Matt Collins]

Brittany wrote a good article about this:


https://fee.org/articles/the-world-s-first-seasteaders-are-now-on-the-run-for-their-lives/ (https://fee.org/articles/the-world-s-first-seasteaders-are-now-on-the-run-for-their-lives/?fbclid=IwAR1xbC6OfZUp13vTb1RVvHu9GVwVq8YxujN6mXTn tiFJaR41tbNXn8wyzDo)

[Anti Federalist]

Brittany wrote a good article about this:


https://fee.org/articles/the-world-s-first-seasteaders-are-now-on-the-run-for-their-lives/ (https://fee.org/articles/the-world-s-first-seasteaders-are-now-on-the-run-for-their-lives/?fbclid=IwAR1xbC6OfZUp13vTb1RVvHu9GVwVq8YxujN6mXTn tiFJaR41tbNXn8wyzDo)

Folks are still having issues with this:


45 percent of the earth is still unclaimed and free from any state’s jurisdiction.

That is just flat out not true.

Under UNCLOS, SOLAS, IMO and ILO agreements, any vessel, spar, drilling rig, anything above or below the sea is subject to UN regulations under these and other alphabet soup agencies.

You may be able to dodge these if you are small enough, a small sailing vessel, a tiny spar like Elwar had, BUT you will not be allowed ashore anywhere.

Port State Control will not allow you or your vessel into the country or ashore if you are not in compliance.

[Matt Collins]

I have submitted Elwar's story to Slashdot 3 separate times to try and gain more exposure for his case but unfortunately the editors apparently don't deem it worthy enough to post (not sure why).


Yes I agree, it was a dumb thing to do on his part as previously discussed. 5 minutes of researching maritime law would show that he would have been better off shooting up heroin in front of a police officer than pulling this particular stunt. He was warned but chose to ignore the warnings. You can lead a horse to water...

Anyway, hopefully he comes out of this ok and even more importantly, hopefully more people realize that governments must be fought politically on land because they sure aren't going to just let you "leave"

[Mach]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTXhgcXA1pM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c83TiSJ6sfA

[Matt Collins]

Seasteading Institute urges leniency in press release:

https://www.seasteading.org/floating-islands-leader-urges-leniency-for-offshore-couple/

[Swordsmyth]

Elwar is logged in.

Any updates?

[Swordsmyth]

@Elwar (http://www.ronpaulforums.com/member.php?u=138) is logged in.

Any updates?
He's gone now but he must be loose and not behind bars.

[jkr]

a good sign!

[Matt Collins]

He is actively posting on Facebook

[Anti Federalist]

He is actively posting on Facebook

Link or copypasta?

[Schifference]

Nothing shows up on google search since late April early May.

[Occam's Banana]

Do Oil Rigs sport Flags? What country was drilling oil there before? Is the entire incident based on not flying colors?

Yes they do. They also don't declare themselves independent and arguably invite the aggression.

They might if they are abandoned. Not an oil rig, but ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlexo-003lE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlexo-003lE

[Elwar]

Thanks for all of the support here folks.

Here is our first interview since fleeing Thailand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPWqxRAQ7Ts

[Anti Federalist]

Thanks for all of the support here folks.

Here is our first interview since fleeing Thailand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPWqxRAQ7Ts

Good to see you are not in a Thai jailhouse.

Will watch as soon as I have video access.

Good to hear from you.

[Anti Globalist]

Thanks for all of the support here folks.

Here is our first interview since fleeing Thailand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPWqxRAQ7Ts
Good to hear that you're not in jail.

[TheCount]

Awesome.

[Grandmastersexsay]

I love Thai girls.

Glad you're safe.

[Swordsmyth]

Good news.

[tod evans]

Good to know you're okay.