I feel your sadness. So, do the basic things - file the proper complain (you'll need any bilingual lawyer, even fresh graduate) and pursue the case. The court won't through away your claim, I had pretty good experience with them.
Judges in Thailand are very-very different from thai folk you meet/see around.
And he doesn't have to be from Pattaya/Chonburi. Go to Bangkok, and get one there. Near Democracy Monument and supreme court.