I live Phuket now 3 years. Here is my advice:
If you like to drink. That's fine. Do not carry a wallet or an ATM card. Without these you are useless, and that's a good thing.
Thai people are cool as long as you are.
Take a tuk-tuk, it will cost you 30bucks max so who cares anyways.
Do not take a girl where you are staying. Get some short time room. It only costs $15 for the room and will save you having to deal with the chick the next day and perhaps the duration of your holiday.
You can negotiate prices, but don't be a dick, its cheap anyways.
Hope that helps
