So does anybody actually know how to do a spot check of a 1 baht Thai gold bar to see if it genuine without lugging half a ton of instruments around?

checking a 1Baht weight bar is not a problem. pure Tungsten is hard but very brittle. if you bent a 1B bar the Tungsten core would break and affect the gold coating too.

So does anybody actually know how to do a spot check of a 1 baht Thai gold bar to see if it genuine without lugging half a ton of instruments around?

yes buy it from a reputable dealer..

So does anybody actually know how to do a spot check of a 1 baht Thai gold bar to see if it genuine without lugging half a ton of instruments around?

Do you own any already?If - yes,then try its sound.If your ears are golden,then you will hear the difference.

Another way - bite it.Pure gold is soft - you are able to make a dent in it.1Baht is small thing - 15 grams,if its coated - your tooth will break on wolfram inside.

If you want to learn how to melt it - you have to watch one of the latest Nicholas Cage movies.You will get all the gold,wolfram will be left behind and you - very rich,very quick!