I think in the future on this forum we should advise people not to use plastic overseas due to the rising frauds. My suggestion from now on is to carry a certain amount of cash (in a money belt, on you at all times) and TCs.
My mate from Perth had his TCs nicked at Koh Samui a few years back, he made a trip to Surat Thani, to the American Express office and the cop station, and had replacement TCs very quickly. I believe the whole ordeal is far more friendlier than dealing with a plastic fraud.