What do you do if a fellow farang asks to borrow cash?

Obviously the cold calling African guy you see once a month in the lift is an obvious no-no.

The odd 300 Baht for a taxi or beer on a night out is acceptable and understandable but what if he 'formally' calls you and asks to borrow a couple of thousand? In most cases you may have only known eachother a matter of weeks or months and are drinking buddies and this would put a strain on your relationship with him.

Do you say no and then avoid them at all costs? Do you say maybe then ignore all his further calls? Do you readily agree to meet up and go to the ATM? This has most probably happened to all of us and it's a pain. Why are these farangs broke if they are living in Thailand? A number of reasons could be evident:

What's more believable? Him asking you for 2000 to 'get by' or asking you for a higher amount and spinning a more feasable story like bank card lost?

There could be several reasons.

1. He's a hopeless alcoholic.
2. He's stuck with a demanding girlfriend
3. He's a lying scumbag
4. He's out to con you and does this to all his new friends
5. He's a TEFL-ing unreliable whoremonger

When I've had this problem I look for signs. If he spins me a long excuse, then it's usually bullshit. If he wants to show me too much extensive evidence then ditto. But, if he asks me and just comes out straight with it, ie. he's broke til payday and will sort it out then I may just give him the benefit.

My prejudices also come into play. If he's from the north of england I am immedietely suspicious. Those northern english people have such guilty accents. If I can sense him building up to asking in the conversation, like he'll start with talking about his wallet or bank card being lost, I get the feeling of dread.
What are genuine reasons and genuine scenarios?

1. You know him quite well after six months. You double date and share girls in threesomes.

2. He has a non-teaching job and lives in a large apartment with nice high quality items like tv, hi-fi, laptop etc.

3. He's your homosexual sex partner, which would present it's own set of morals.

4. You saw him lose his wallet after it fell out of his pocket into the canal during a night out.

5. You know that he works for a reputable international company.

Another tell tale sign is the ''fast talker'' farang who lives on your floor or in your building. He'll call you and ask you straight away as if he's in a taxi outside without change or needs to tip the maid there and then.
But he's lying. You'll later find out that he did it with every other farang neighbour. His excuses ranged from ''the taxi not being able to change a thousand'', ''too lazy to walk to an atm'', ''needs to tip the maid'' etc. This guy will only ask up to 300 and be in and out fast to appear genuine. Any lingering conversations in this scenario will give you time to have suspicions aroused.

You'll think why would he jeopardise your 'friendship' for a mere 300? But if he did this to ten fellow farangs in a week it works out to be a decent drinking wage.

Anyone ever lent and lost?