Shanti Hostel Koh Lipe

I never usually write reviews, even after a bad stay, but my experience with the owner Mario and his wife was so frightening that I want to warn people. I found the WiFi constantly broken or so slow it was useless, and the hot water also often didn't work. One night I asked Mario to reset the WiFi. He immediately started shouting, swearing, and calling me stupid. He said it wasn't his fault and nothing could be done. When I said he was partly responsible, he told me to shut up, go to bed, and check out tomorrow. I packed and moved to another hostel, but didn't check out then because I didn't want to confront him while he was angry. I intended to return in the morning with the key and payment for my last night. On the way to the ATM, Mario saw me and began yelling profane insults and demands. I said I'd pay and return the key, and asked him to stop harassing me. He threatened me and followed on his bike, making it impossible to use the ATM. I managed to get away, but he and his wife followed and tried to fight me. His wife hit me while he shouted profanities. Locals had to shelter me behind a bar while I gave them the key and money. Mario claimed I owed five times what I did, saying I'd deliberately broken the bed and a lamp. I hadn't. I was so scared by their aggression that I accidentally overpaid anyway. They then left, claiming they'd kill me and telling me to watch out. The police came and took my report. They said many people had problems with the couple, and moved me to another lodging for free so I wouldn't have further trouble with Shanti hostel or backpackers. I found the owner physically and verbally violent and extremely aggressive, and I would avoid this place completely.