i still dont understand how they could get into the phone, or even put it in DFU mode without his password info. iphones are very particular about that now. it is basically good for parts only.
I saw some references about holding the home button and plugging in the USB cord while the phone is booting, apparently that will put it in DFU, and allow a restore without the password. But even if that works, 1. It wipes the data, 2. They still can't use it for phone calls over a cell network with the activation lock and IMEI blocked.
I believe the phone was lost over being stolen. It was in my front pocket. 99% sure it fell out of my pocket in a cab. I called the cab company and offered a substantial reward and they notified all the cabbies about taking a white guy (falang) to X location at about X time. The gf said it's very possible that the cabbie never heard the message, or didn't care, and that my phone is still sitting under the front seat of a cab somewhere in Thailand lol.
But about the stares. I think part of it was me being white. And I think a larger part was me having an Asian girl on my arm. They assume she must be a prostitute. Especially since we, being Americans, don't dress as modestly in public as they do. And we are more outwardly affectionate (holding hands, kissing, etc).