I am Joe. I am the marketing manager, not manager, though I do help communicate with the Thai staff for those who are not able to do so by themselves . My office hours are 9am - 12 or 1pm and then 6pm-9 or 10 pm. We are the only resort on this beach that employs a native English speaker. I can always be reached by phone if a customer needs to communicate in English, though most seem to get along fine with our Thai staff. I should add that, although I am trying to change this, some Thai people (and some of our staff) become rude when someone is rude to them. I know they should keep their smile and professionalism, they don't always when confronted with rudeness. I am somewhat perplexed by this review. We were having torrential rains when this customer was here, hence the few puddles and muddy spots. We have no "dirt paths" except in the parking area, but the paved path through the bungalows can get a few puddles in a heavy rain. Our pool and garden are always kept in immaculate condition, even in the low season. They garden is by no means "overgrown" (we are proud of it!) and the pool and beach had plenty of sun loungers for our "almost empty" resort when this guest was here. We are a family friendly resort, and do get some children. Children do make noise sometimes, and play in the water (though I do find most to be well behaved and quiet). The website on which this person booked stated clearly what conditions are like here during the "low season". We operate on a skeleton staff and it is very quiet. This is why we sell the rooms at up to 80% off. As for the resort not looking like the pictures on the website, the beach and ocean look different during storms when there is no sun to make the ocean bright blue and some leaves may blow off of the trees. Not nearly as fun as a sunny day. I am sorry that this customer was not satisfied, but happy to say that most are. It is obvious to me that someone here made this particular customer angry and they are trying to punish us for it.

I'm sorry that people still do not seem to realize that it is very seasonal here. After the Thai New Year in mid-April, the monsoon winds start to blow and all kind of junk washes up on some beaches, like driftwood, seaweed and anything else that floats. We get very strong onshore winds. After cleaning, it is back with the next tide. This is why we sell the rooms at 50 to 80% off. I have written to all of the major on-line booking agents and told them to explain this -- some do and some won't. In any event, google is full of information! Just google "Koh Lanta slow season". The 60% - 80% off this customer paid should have been a clue. Having said this, the island is still quite worth a visit as many tours still operate, everything is a bargain and many beautiful beaches are sheltered from the wind and the beaches stay clean.

I remember the A/C dripping because the customer did find me and I informed them that they could wait 10 minutes to have the drain unplugged or change rooms. They opted to change rooms. The shower worked fine when I checked it. As for the ants, in the tropics, one speck of food will draw them. When the food is gone, the ants disappear. We are happy to clean the rooms every time the "clean room" sign is left on the door knob. Because we were slow (about 8 rooms that day) I did make it a point to contact every guest personally and explain what there was to do on the island and about all of the many tours available and give them my room number so they could contact me if they needed anything and couldn't find the staff during our closing hours (I am in the office from 9-12 am and 6-9 pm and the reception is open 8-5 in the slow season). I spent time explaining every tour and made a list of good restaurants in the area. Sorry about the food poisoning. I have never had it here, but I have lived here for a long time and have resistance to local bugs. I find the Greek Taverna to be very good by any standard, but food poisoning is common and can come from anywhere.

Room rates vary widely in Thailand (and everywhere else). I used to stay in a nice room in Kanchanaburi (bridge over the river Kwai) for 10 dollars. But tropical islands are expensive! Still, I think this guest paid 20 -25 dollars, and the only thing you can get for less on Koh Lanta is a bamboo bungalow with no toilet or A/C, T.V. fridge, hot water, real bed,wardrobe, tour office etc. Just you and the ants!

So sorry this customer did not enjoy their stay. We do try, but can't control the weather or the bugs! We are still a bargain in the "monsoon" season. Check for our promotions!

I am happy that you enjoyed your time here. We do try! Hope to see you again one day!

Joe