1. I once hired a guy from Jupitor, he did not perform anything but still demand full payment. I call the hotel security, but the security told me just pay him and ask him to leave. So I paid, never hire any gogo boys in Thailand anymore. When there is a dispute, they usually side with Thais because you are the fireigner who voluntarily come spend money in Thailand.
2. Latin America has a very violent culture history. The whole society is corrupt, from the top officials, police officers. The first thing comes to people's mind when seeing a foreigner is to scam/steal/rob. Especially if you go there to engage in questionable activities, you are in a vulnerable position.