He never had it any excuse not to pay his girl friend and the bar fine

The quote "Thai money had only been withdrawn a few hours before the theft." 196k ? what bank is that with that higher limit ? the most I know of is 40k limit per day by a cashcard which means he must have made multiple withdrawals for whatever reason or he went into a bank for a cash withdrawal, unlikely that as a tourist he would have a Thai bank account isn't it ? . As for an insurance scam very unlikely as he was a tourist and hence must assume he would have holiday insurance. He would be lucky to get cover for more than £500 in cash let alone 196k baht plus 3k sterling. Maybe just a compulsive lier to impress his pals and "partner"

Depends on his cards, really.

A swanky Amex, plus platinum on other cards, no probs.

But if he wants to bring 3k pounds, plus cards, why not travellers cheques? Why not lock it away?

Little brain thinking for big brain again I reckon. Just wanted to be flash with his holiday savings.