I’ve been following the exploits of Expat at Large as he visited Phuket. A far better writer than your humble scribe here, he has an animated discussion going about the trials and tribulations of getting involved with bar girls. Expat at Large is not doing it, (he’s smarter than that), but he has posted some great observations. He’s also provided a great reading list on the subject.
My take: Caveat emptor applies here.