The threat of death sentences against a couple who set up an offshore home near a Thai island, has sparked a debate on the growing "seasteading" movement and the right to create floating settlements to cope with the effects of climate change.

Thailand's navy on Monday towed to shore a floating cabin which had been set on top of a spar 14 nautical miles off Phuket.

Authorities said the structure was within the country's 200-mile exclusive economic zone, and charged U.S. citizen Chad Elwartowski and his Thai girlfriend with violating Thai sovereignty, punishable by death penalty or life in prison.

The whereabouts of the couple are unknown.

Ocean Builders, which funded and built the cabin, said on its website the structure was in international waters.

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