what do you think of SeaSteading?

Keeping a low profile might help to stay below the radar and not get bothered, not making public statements or claims, and when asked then say you're just wandering around a bit with your vertical floating pole to take minimum space, then when any gov. is bothered they might just ask you to move on, but when keeping a low profile probably everyone is used to you before high circles notice you there.

Something like forum member Tad says about a much smaller boat... Tad Roberts → Cruising 20' Shanty Boat

‘‘ . . . . . . If you build a boat that looks like it might be a houseboat, someone will object. But if you build a houseboat (which a single person might liveaboard full time) that looks like a boat, you may fall below the radar. Thus my little Shanties have some shape in their sides and a stem so they look like boats. Some space is lost for a gain in aesthetic appeal which may get you a coveted inside berth at the marina. . . . . . . ’’

 

IMO what got them in trouble was intentionally setting up JUST outside the 12 mile limit, to play some kind of game with Thai Govt while still being more or less obviously part of Thailand and very likely to cause headaches in the near future.

 

Governments can't tolerate the perception that you are evading taxes or otherwise not acknowledging their autority. Because if they let one person get away with it, other people will realize they don't have to either. And that cuts into revenues and control.

 

The seastead wasn't self-sufficient, and the inhabitants were commuting to shore in a sailboat with an inboard. They were definitely not independent of Thailand in practical terms, but at the same time they likely paid Thai sales taxes while not relying on Thai police protection (for whatever it's worth) and similar government services. I don't know who comes out ahead.