I get the feeling some ( if not a lot) of thais seem to gain "face" by ripping off farangs ( and bragging about it)
but this said, did anyone here try using something like an excrow account at a "honest" bank, have the money doled out only on the approval of both parties?
or use the thai method, know where to find the guy and let him know of any conquences if he trys to screw you