I was flying Thai Airways business class from Bangkok to Europe shortly after midnight, and ended up getting to the airport at 5PM. I figured this would be a good opportunity to review a few different lounges, and also to get some work done.
I’ve reviewed Thai Airways’ first class several times before, including their spectacular first class lounge in Bangkok, which is on my list of the world’s top first class lounges. This time I was curious to see what their flagship business class lounge was like.
When arriving at the main terminal at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai’s premium check-in is right as you drive up to the terminal, at sections A & B.
Bangkok Airport check-in
The check-in area was nice, though I already had my mobile boarding pass, so headed straight to the premium security checkpoint, which led right to immigration. There was no wait at either checkpoint, which sure is in contrast to what the arrivals experience is usually like.
Once through immigration there’s an escalator immediately to the right leading to Thai’s lounges at the airport.
Escalator to Thai Airways Lounge Bangkok
The Royal Silk Lounge is Thai Airways’ flagship business class lounge, and it’s accessible by Star Alliance business class passengers as well as Star Alliance Gold members. The lounge is open daily from 5AM until 2AM.
When you first arrive at the bottom of the escalator it’s a bit confusing because you’re already in the lounge, though the reception desk is ahead and to the left (even though part of the lounge is to the right).
Thai Airways Business Lounge Bangkok entrance
Thai Airways Business Lounge Bangkok seating
When I entered the lounge I was told that I could go to the spa for a free treatment, which I ended up doing. However, first I explored the lounge a bit.
This lounge is, in my opinion, rather lame. It basically consists of one main walkway with some seating along the side of it. While there are plenty of seats, the lounge lacks natural light, and was also really crowded. I know it might not look that crowded based on the pictures, but I tried to strategically take pictures in each section when it was emptiest.
The seating arrangements are fairly consistent throughout, with leather chairs and side tables.
Thai Airways Business Lounge Bangkok seating
Thai Airways Business Lounge Bangkok seating
Thai Airways Business Lounge Bangkok seating
Thai Airways Business Lounge Bangkok seating
Thai Airways Business Lounge Bangkok seating
I found the lack of variety in terms of seating to be boring, and wish they had mixed it up at least a little bit with dining tables, day beds, etc.
The lounge did have a business center where I ended up spending a couple of hours. Almost all of the stations had computers, though (personally I prefer an empty workstation where I can easily set up my laptop).
Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge Bangkok business center
Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge Bangkok business center
There was also a small play area for kids.
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok play area
The food selection wasn’t much more exciting than the seating. There were a few different food displays. One buffet had soft drinks, coffee, a few types of finger sandwiches, sweets and a few types of quiche.
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
There was a hot buffet area too, though it was consistently really crowded, given that there were a lot of people in the lounge, and it was the only part of the lounge with “real” food.
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Then there were a few drink and light snack stations throughout the lounge.
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok drinks
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok buffet
Best I could tell, the only part of the lounge with liquor was at the very far end right by the entrance. It almost seemed hidden, as if they were trying to minimize the odds of people finding it.
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok bar
There was also a little popcorn setup there.
Thai Airways Business Class Lounge Bangkok popcorn
The only other things I’d note about the lounge is that they have an annoying Wi-Fi system. While Wi-Fi is reasonably fast you have to get Wi-Fi tickets at reception, and they seem to cut out after 90 minutes or so, so you have to get a new one at that point.
Eventually I decided to head over to the Royal Orchid Spa. The entrance to this is located at the far end of the lounge, down a long hallway.
Thai Airways Business Lounge Bangkok walkway
There’s a second entrance to the Royal Silk Lounge here.
Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge Bangkok entrance
When you exit the lounge you’ll see the Royal Orchid Spa right across the way.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa Bangkok
While first class passengers receive hour-long full body massages, international Thai Airways business class passengers have their choice of either a 30 minute neck & shoulder massage, or a 30 minute foot massage.
I inquired about availability at reception, and was pleasantly surprised to find out I could reserve a treatment in about 30 minutes.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa Bangkok
So I headed back into the lounge, and returned at my appointment time. At that point I was brought to the waiting room, where I was brought a towel and some tea.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa Bangkok
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa Bangkok
There are about a half dozen chairs with ottomans set up in one room, with partitions between each seat. I went with the neck & shoulder massage, and it was excellent. I would note that in reality the treatment was under 25 minutes rather than 30 minutes, but I’m hardly going to complain, given that no other airline offers such a generous massage treatment in business class.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa Bangkok
Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge Bangkok bottom line
Unfortunately Thai Airways’ flagship lounge isn’t much to get excited about. It’s crowded, it lacks natural light, and I find the decor to be bland, without many choices in terms of what kind of a seating arrangement you’d like.
On the plus side, the bathrooms were clean and the lounge has showers. The real highlight of the lounge is the complimentary massage treatments.
So personally I’d visit this lounge for the massage treatments, but otherwise would rather spend time in a different lounge. This lounge sure is a stark contrast to Thai’s exceptional first class lounge right next door.
If you’ve visited Thai’s business class lounge Bangkok, what was your experience like?
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