Hi MTD. For me,the key is having a back-up source for money if your primary source disappears,for whatever reason.
I use my ATM,but only have funds for my trip in the account to limit the potential damage from ATM scams.(rare but not impossible)I have money in separate accounts I can access if the unthinkable happens.
I don't use my credit card but I keep it in the hotel safe with my passport sealed in an envelope for emergancy back-up.
From home I bring a two day supply of local money so I can avoid currency exchanges when I arrive.When I land,I'm tired ,not very alert,and I've got newbie farang written all over me,so I try to limit the amount of public money handling I do initially.
I carry a wallet but rarely pull it out,keeping smaller denominations in a couple of pockets.
My "Custer's last stand" of financial security is a US $100 rolled up tightly and tucked away somewhere in my gear.It's worth 4000 baht which obviously goes a long way in Thailand.One night in Pattaya my ATM card wouldn't work in any machine(credit card also)
and without that US "C" note it would have been a lonely night!
True I may go a little overboard but just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you! j/k.
Oh and my #1 tip.....Never,never make your ATM password 1-2-3-4-5
(as discussed in a previous thread)
cheers