Just heard from two other farang who trusted those they knew and then were blantly robbed. But it is not just Thais. Even in my family there are those who cannot be trusted around money. Mostly it is drug related. Their cravings overwhelm their reason.

Mad Jack: "You tell no one!"

Horton: "I swear before God."

Mad Jack: "I said noooo one!"

- Ray Walston and Tom Ligon, 'Paint Your Wagon'

Another cautionary tale. There was a bar in Pattayaland several years ago (now closed) that had short time rooms up a spiral staircase in the back. Some farang have been stung by going to the room, choosing to take a shower with the boy in the shower room down the hall, locking the door as they left for the shower, and found their wallets empty upon their return. Apparently someone (manager, mamasan, owner???) had a key to the room and when he heard the shower running would come into the room and help himself. I know of two people who suffered this. It might be a good idea to take your valuables with you when showering and using a short time room.

As far as it being rude to be seen placing your valuables into your safe, what's the rude part? Rude that the boy might think you don't trust him? You can avoid that 'rudeness' by placing your valuables in your safe before you even go out. When you do go out, carry only what you anticipate needing to have with you.

 

YES, this is exactly what I do.

It's probably all going to go wrong if I stay with someone longer term though (like over 5 days).

 

The other thing I should do is to take a small plastic bag in case a shower is necessary at a massage place.