As discussed in my field report from Phuket... I thought it mightbe interesting to see everyones perspective on this topic.
I've only got a couple of rules when LB hunting:
1. Never pay over the odds
2. Negogiate first - ensure you've secured a price before you leave the bar
3. Never get involved with anyone who has a hint of drugs - in behaviour or any comment they might make
4. Always have an exit strategy - when entering a room... or even a relationship
5. Never ever send money
AND...
6. Never choose the first girl you see or speak to. As another maybe be better around the corner.
I've always felt that only a rank amateur who cannot control himself will choose the first girl he sees or talks to.
This rule is normally sound advice but has some HUGE disadvantages also... as i get very choosie when i'm in Thailand. And I get scared "what if i dont see a better one tonight??"
It's almost a topic on its own.... how come when i'm outside Thailand i get frustrated Dream about and will almost screw the builders in a dress... but when i get to Thailand my "Selective Gene" kicks in and i become very selective about which LB i will choose for the evening.
sorry... back on topic...
SO... i've got a little advice. If you talk to a girl (or see one early evening)... get her phone number!
You can always look around - hunt without worry - and if you dont see anything you like then phone the girl up later in the evening and arrange to meet her. This as worked a few times for me - whilst before i didnt think about it and regretted not striking when the iron was hot.
Another way is to arrange to meet her in her bar or someplace later. I've had mixed results with that. Sometimes you return and she's with another punter - thats just a huge turn off.
I will take the first one I see if she is really what I am looking for, I use to alway look for one a little better and ended up with the one no one else wanted. The phone thing would never work for me, I have a hard enough time understanding them when I can see them, forget the phone.