[return0]

> within region of the sea where Thai government has the final say.

They are beyond 12 miles, this region is not territorial waters but international. They don't have the final say, except in matters relevant to their customs, commerce and artificial islands. If this was in a sea shared by two nations, i m sure the situation would be a lot more complicated.

Also, this was more a statement rather than a realistic seastead. The cost of the tiny seastead is ~$150000. Hopefully more will follow which will lead to a larger discussion about governmental overreaches.

[nabla9]

State has jurisdiction does not drop to zero at 12 mile range.

States can enforce laws in four areas: customs, taxation, immigration and pollution within 24 nautical miles (contiguous zone). That's anothe 12 nautical miles after territorial waters.

Then there is 200 nautical mile EEZ.

[codingdave]

If it was a statement, they should be embracing their opportunity to fight it in court and prove their point. Hiding from the opportunity to argue their case is not a statement.

[notahacker]

To be fair, whilst I doubt their interpretation of international law is sound, I also don't think their unwillingness to be tried for capital offences against the Thai government by a Thai court says much either way of the value of their statement.

[CydeWeys]

It puts the lie to the notion that you can achieve real sovereignty simply by declaring it.

You need force to back it up, or at least, the potential to use force.