Thai Airways review & opinions

NEWS: THAI currently have an outstanding order for more Airbus 330-300 aircraft and the Airbus 380-800. However Thai Airways are abandoning First Class on all their flights to Australia.
If ever there is was an airline that is trying to pull itself up from the bottom, it is Thai Airways. Just a few years ago Thai Airways offered a cheap but poor service, tired planes, poor food and woeful inflight entertainment. Now, the airline has invested heavily in new planes, better seats, and it has at last joinned most other airlines, by adding Seatback TVs. Add to this Thai are now flying out of their hub at the brand new Bangkok airport, and your experience on Thai this year, will be very different to what it was just two or three years back. However Thai do still have older parts of their network, and some of the older planes haven't been updated. At outstations the staff, rather like the country, gives the impression that they're trying, and trying oh so hard, but somehow just can't seem to make it work. That all means that you inflight experience on Thai can vary between woefully poor, just about adequate, and occasionally gob-smacking. One thing is for sure - Thai Air Airways will get you there, with every ounce of the feeling of Thailand itself. It's up to you to decide if you really want it.

Of course the main hub is Asia, and there are over 40 destinations throughout Asia and the Middle East, five in Australia, New Zealand and Los Angeles in the USA and are only slowly updating their fleet with the Boeing 777 aircraft. This is a good aircraft - and the one to take - with individual TV screens (a new inovation at Thai) but only a so-so 32" legroom in economy. Thai have recently abandoned First Class on many routes, and now only fly it to London, with the 747, which conversely has a rather poor economy section, and is really now getting pretty tired.

Certainly Thai is generally cheap, and fares are normally a little less than many other operators, such as their much more upmarket competitor in the south of the peninsular, Singapore Airways.

The frequent-flier scheme is quite good, and it is relatively easy to get to the top tier. A business class redemption costs less miles than most competitors, giving access to the adequate if not luxurious lounges. The route map is very good, with good connections from the UK both to the hub in the tourist mecca that is Bangkok, and via links to Australia; add in lower fares than most competitors, and Thai is becoming the with-frills backpacker carrier of choice.

Thai Boeing 747-400 at Sydney Airport

Thai Classes, Seats and Fleet

Thai flies mainly 747s, 777s, with a few 737s for the shorter hops around Thailand, and some ancient Airbus A300s, plus newer Airbus 340-600.

Thai have three travel classes.

Economy is just that, with a 32" legroom, although the seats in the latest Boeing 777-200ER are pretty good, having a large individual TV screens in each seatback and the latest in audio/visual entertainment on demand (AVOD) with an OK selection of 30 movies, 110 music albums and 31 games. There is a telephones in the armrest, however PC power outlets only take US/Australian plugs, and you need an adapters for UK/Singapore & some european plugs.

Business Class is vastly better than it was a few years ago: Thai call it Royal Silk Class, but be carefull checking what seat you get. On the Boeing 777-200ER and 777-300 aircraft, you only get a cradle seat (pitch of 61” (155cm), maximum recline angle of 163° and bed length of 70” (178cm)) whereas on the refurbished Boeing 747-400 and Airbus 340-500/600 aircraft it is much better with a bed (length 76” (193cm), a 60” (152cm) pitch, 167° of recline for sleeping) but even here it doesn't go fully flat: just level.

Thai 747-400 in "Amazing Thailand" livery at LHR

On the few planes that still have it, Thai Royal First Class have a new shell seats which actually does convert to a beds, with 180° of recline and almost seven feet (213cm) of space in which to stretch out, plus fully adjustable leg and foot rests.

Thai Airways Boeing 747-400

Thai have a very strange seating plan for their 16 747-400s. The planes are quite new, so its surprising that seats are of an ancient 1980s style, and entertainment definitely comes out of the arc.

First class is in the nose of the plane, with either rather stiff upright chairs that are like a throwback to 1970s seating, or rather longer seats that still don't go quite flat. There is however plenty of room, and there are just two, very lonely, seats in the middle of the cabin. First also has a long thin bar on the right of aircraft.

Thai 747-400 First seats in the nose of a 747

Accordingly Business Class is in a totally unique seating pattern, shuffled to the left hand side of the plane, with windows in a 2+2 layout only on the left hand side of this cabin (for seats A and B). This seems very odd when you are flying (in seats E and D), but fortunately there is also business class on the upper deck, with 10 rows of seats in a 2+2 pattern. Row 16 here is the best, with more legroom thanks to the door. Seats upstairs are very popular, as dogs won't be placed here, so it smells much better.

Thai 747-400 First class seat

Economy is the usual cramped lottery, with seats in a 3+4+3 pattern. Rows 31, 43, and 53 are emergency exit seats with a lot more legroom. On planes without AVOD, rows 53 to 56 can't see the overhead video screens, so there is no inflight entertainment. Rows 68 to 70 get only two window seats abreast, so there is perhaps a little more room.

Thai A340 at Auckland

Thai Airways Airbus A340-500/A340-600

Thai have two types - the A340-500 which has premium economy and is used to the US, and the A340-600 which is used for destinations including New Zealand.

On both planes, Economy seats are a standard 2-4-2, which many couples seem to like as it gives good pairs of seats, rather than the three seats next to the window in the 747s. In both types of A340, Row 44 is an emergency exit, but it is disliked by many regular passengers due to the lack of a window, the cabin crew sitting opposite you, and the traytable in the armrest, which reduces the seat width.

Thai A340 business class seat

However, you do get a flip out video screen an a lot more legroom. In the A340-600 there is another economy cabin, in rows 31 to 42.

On the A340-500, Premium Economy seating is in rows 31 to 36 and configured as 2-3-2. Seat pitch is increased to 42", 135 degree angle of recline and the seat features a leg-rest. Premium Economy class passengers also have more choices over their meal selection. All seats of Premium Economy class are equipped with AVOD with 10.5" touch screen. Row 31 is a bulkhead, but it also has a bassinet (screamer) fittings. The seatback video here is annoyingly screwed to the bulkhead itself.

Thai A340 First class seat

Business Class (or Royal Silk Class) are all with the new-style Thai seat, configured 2-2-2. You get two separate cabins, rows 11 to 16 (or 17 In the A340-600), which is by far the quietest cabin, and row 18 to 22 (or 21 in the A340-600) which are over the wing.

First Class is only fitted to the A340-600, and comes in just two rows configured 1-2-1. These are the classic old lie flat seating pods, with acres of space. With the window seats you get four windows, and a pod beside you with several flip up dupboard doors. There is a huge table which pulls up from the window pod: it's so heavy, you may have to help the cabin crew get yours erect. You can also pull it towards you. In this pod there is also the TV screen, which is satisfyingly large. The seat has a reading light which has to be flipped up to work, and then you press the button.

Thai Airways Boeing 777-200 / 777-200ER / 777-300

Thai have 24 Boeing 777s, of which 6 are of the extended 777-300 type. They have just business and economy seats, with no first class. It is now used on all flights to Australia, which means First Class has been dropped to these destinations. Be wary of the 777-300 in business class, as these have the older style seat with a pitch of just 55".

Thai A330 & two 777s at Bangkok

Economy is configured 3-3-3. On the 777-200 row 31 is a bulkhead (with a bassinet or screamer fittings), and row 50 is an emergency exit. On the larger 777-300 there are three cabins, with row 31 is a bulkhead (with a bassinet or screamer fittings), and row 47 and 61 being an emergency exit.

Business Class (or Royal Silk Class) has the older-style Thai seat, configured 2-2-2, in rows 11 to 16 on the 777-200 and just one cabin of rows 11, 16 plus rows 22 and 23 (which are right behind them) on the 777-300. Pitch on the 777-300 older style seats is just 55", and they do not lie flat.

Thai Airways MD-11

A rare Thai MD11 at Bangkok

Thai have a grand total of 4 MD-11s, and you have to be lucky (or rather, unlucky) to get one of these unusually shaped beast of a plane. Thai are one of the few airlines still using the MD-11s, and are used on the Australian run.

The best seat in the house: Bulkhead 11D in Thai MD11 Business Class

The MD-11s are very distinctive, the only tri-engined wide-body airliner still made - with an engine high up in the tail. Less than 190 MD-11 have been made, making it a commercial failure, and when first took to the air several airlines promptly cancelled their order as soon as they had a chance to fly it. Commentators have persistently raised safety questions over the airliner, due to refinements that give it relaxed aerodynamic stability. However this has not as yet been definitely linked to a number of high profile crashes, when the aircraft has flipped upside down, which could be a statistical anomaly. No Thai Airline MD-11 has been involved in such incidents.

Most people try very hard to avoid the MD-11, as its very cramped. Alas, its used on the convenient 0810 daytime flight to Sydney, which then flies on and returns via Melbourne.

First class is in the nose of the plane, with just two rows of stiff upright seats.

Business Class has six rows, in a 2+3+2 formation. Row 11 has extra legroom - but its virtually impossible to see the video screen from the window seats. 11D however had the video screen right in front of you. The seats look like economy seats, with only a small amount of recline. Audio controls are also of the small rotatory type, and decline rapidly with age. I've found that rapily moving the volume control back and forth for a few seconds restores some of the original function, although others never work.

Economy seats are in a rare 2+5+2 formation, which seems to give a greater feeling of width than most other airlines - unless you're stuck in the middle of a row of D. Row 31 and 39 are emergency exits, giving much more legroom.

All entertainment in MD11s is via overhead projection screens at the front of the cabin - even in business class. All in all a great 1970s experience.

Thai Loos in Business

Thai Airways onboard inflight experience

Reviews and opinions are mixed about Thai airlines - if only because the experience of flying Thai isn't great. The airline tries, but ends up with a rather tied looking product, that is just a bit scuffed around the edges. Its rather like going back in time to the 70s.

Be warned that Thai is now the only airline left that will let animals be carried in the main cabin, so you're likely to have your long-haul flight interrupted by yapping, smelly dogs. Altogether an experience you'd probably rather forget.

Thai Business Class Service

In Economy there are very few frills. No newspapers, no hot towels, and only a scrabby bit of wool for a blanket. The pillows have definitely seen better days. The drinks trolley comes round once before the main meal, but the crew are at least fairly good at fetching beer for you in the flight if you press the call button.

In Business things are rather like economy on most other airlines, particularly when you consider the seat. You are not greeted at the door, or by name at any point in the flight. No newspapers are offered, and the blankets are the same as in economy. However there are hot towels before and after each meal.

Royal Orchid Service folder

In the loos there is a tube of special Thai handcream which is actually pretty good, and a couple of bottles of very bad aftershave. In the seatback pocket there is also a special Royal Orchid Service folder, with several postcards, a Do Not Disturb sticker, writing paper, envelopes, and a comment card.

There is a decent looking menu, with a good slip in drinks list, with the wine list on the reverse. Meals are laid out with a scrappy and faded tablecloth, on top of which is placed a tray - and then a trolley comes along the isle on with the food and a stack of plates, rather like a moving buffet. You can select the food you want - and the plate of food is then placed on your tray. After the main course a trolley comes along with lots of little pastries, and four liquor bottles.

First Class Video Screen

Thai Inflight Entertainment

News: Thai is slowly going to upgrade its fleet, giving personal video screens in all cabins, and AVOD (Audio Video on Demand).

Whether you get a seatback TV on a long-haul flight depends on the type of plane you are on.

Thai Vision Entertainment Mag

Entertainment on Thai is rapidly imroving - although that is hardly a compliment, as it used to be notoriously woeful. Now, it's a bit of a gamble. You'll either get a video screen at your seat, and films you can play, pause, and rewind at will - or a screen at the front of the cabin, and that's it.

The airline is one of the last in the world to phase out big projection screens at the end of each cabin - even in business & first class (what Thai used to call its "Mainscreen" system). Slowly 747, 777 and A340 aircraft are being retro-fitted with a film on demand system (AVOD) and getting personal video screen in the seatbacks - however Thai will take several years to fit out all its fleet.

Thai inflight map

Economy either has projection video screens at the end of the cabin, with 3 films on most long-haul flights, which tend to be of a very bland, US orientated nature. Alternately you may get lucky, and get a plane that has been fitted with AVOD. In this case there is a small video screen in the seatback (or on a flip out TV screen for the bulkhead & emergency exit seats).

Small headphones with an overhead band and twin jackplugs are used in economy.

Business is a bit of a gamble, as some planes (notoriously, the MD11s, but also a few 747s) still have a projection screen at the end of the cabin. Some of the fleet, mainly the 747s, have with personal video screens just in business, with 9 films. And of course on the latest planes to undergo a revamp, there is AVOD. Large headphones with an overhead band and twin jackplugs are used. These have strange cloth covers that always seem very grubby.

Thai Airways Headphones

However many flights which haven't been revamped, including all the MD11s, are still stuck with just the same overhead projection screen as used in economy.

First there are two options. Older planes get a lovely little personal video player (using tapes, not DVD), with a great screen and fantastic sound on the MD-11s and the older 747s (Occasionally these personal video players are offered to passengers in business). In First with AVOD on the A340 and 747s, the screens come out and flip from the wall cupboards. They are touchscreen, and work well. Alas, the headphones are still dreadfull (and non noise-cancelling).

Thai Personal Video Player in First

Film selection can be a bit varied. Forget arthouse flics - we're talking mainstream Hollywood productions all the way here. With mainscreen overhead video you will get very bland films. On early model flip out screens (747s in Biz only) there is only an option of 6 English Language films. There is also one each of films in Italian, German, and French, and Thai - although all of these frustratingly tend to be US movies that have been dubbed, so you can watch, but not hear, the film you want to see.

AVOD offers much better options, but it's still a way away from some of the better airlines like Singpore that offer many more films. On a plane with AVOD there are 9 films, most of which are pretty good, although a few months behind mainstream release in US, and quite a few half hour TV programmes. There are also some primative video games, and an inflight map.

The film listings are contained in the magazine Thai Vision. The first four pages contain the Mainscreen listings, with each sub section either from or to Bangkok. The next 4 pages list the channels for business where there is a personal video screen. Again you have to look up your from and to locations, and then cross reference the channel numbers. There are then pages of film reviews. Right at the back are the lists of the Personal Video Movies.

Thai Airways Inflight Magazine - Sawasdee

Sawasdee Inflight Magazine

Thai's inflight magazine is called Sawasdee. English language, with just one page of Thai, it has the usual inflight offerings. A page on events in Thailand, with a featured bar, a page on Bangkok arts, three travel articles to places Thai flies to, and some of the largest print in the ugliest font you've ever been unluckiest to come across.

At the back is a Welcome Aboard section, with information on the airline, including some photos of First just to annoy the customers in cattle class. Right at the back are pages of maps, which are more detailed than most airlines deliver.

Thai Airways Longhaul amenity kit

The Business Class washbag actually looks pretty good when it comes round; sealed in plastic the leather box looks big and chunky. Inside there's a decent pair of silver coloured socks, a silver eyeshade, a small blue plastic toothbrush, and a large tube of American Rembrant toothpaste.

Business Class Thai Washbag

Theres a big tube of Line A Moisturiser and Lip Balm. A packet of Swedish Earplugs. Oddly theres also a comb, and a combined folding comb and hairbrush. While this won't give you great thrills when you take it home, its ok for using on the plane.

First Class Thai Washbag

In First Class the washbag is again sealed in plastic with a big Thai logo. Inside is a Eau D'Orange Verte washbag, with a vile orange interior colour. It contains Eau D'Orange Cologne, Eau D'Orange perfumed body lotion, a 50ml aerosol of Evian water (this really works to make you feel refreshed if you spray it on your face before landing), a ChapIce lip balm, some cheap orange earplugs, a hairbrush (folding) eyeshades, and socks.

Thai Airways Routes

News: Thai is introducing a direct service from Sydney and Melbourne to Phuket.

Thai Airways' main hub is at the new Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi, or BKK for short). There is also a smaller, northern hub at Chang-Mai (CNX).

Thai fly from London (LHR) to Bangkok (BKK) daily at 1230 (landing at 0605) and at 2130 (landing at 1505), both using a 747-400.

Thai 777 in the early morning sunshine at Singapore

There are also flights from Frankfurt (FRA) to Bangkok daily at 1505 (landing 0645) and Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 2150 (landing at 1230). Munich (MUC) to Bangkok daily except Monday, Wednesday & Saturday at 2130, arriving 1350. Copenhagen (CPH) to Bangkok daily except Tuesday at 1430 landing 0650 (using a 747-400), and from Stockholm (ARN) daily except Monday, Wednesday & Saturday at 1435, arriving at 0635.

In the return direction from Bangkok there are return flights to LHR daily at 0110, and 4 days a week at 1230. To Frankfurt daily at 2345, with extras 4 days a week at 1245, Copenhagen 6 days a week at 0140 landing 0725, and to Stockholm 4 days a week at 0130, arriving at 0650.

From Bangkok there are regular flights to Australia. Thai were seriously considering abandoning all First class on the Aussie routes, but this plan has thankfully been scrapped, with the use of the A340-600. There are three flights a day to Sydney, with the 0755 arriving at 2000 (using an A340-600, which is by far the best of the three), the 1915 arriving at 0715 (with a 777), and the 2359 arriving at 1205 the next day (on an A340-600). On the return the flights leave Sydney at 1000 (arriving 1630) using a Boeing 777, at 1525 (arriving at 2155) on an A340-600, and at 2110 (arriving 0620) on an A340-600 which calls in at Melbourne on it's way to Thailand, a round trip that adds three hours to the flight time.

From Bangkok there are direct flights to Melbourne using the 777-300 (with no first class) at 0015 (arriving at 1205) and 0810 (arriving 2000), plus the milk-round flight that stops in at Sydney. on the return Melbourne has the above flight from Sydney that picks up in Melbourne too, plus flights at 1605 (arriving back at BKK at 2235) and at 2330 (arriving back at 0600) on a 777-300.

Thai 747-400 at Sydney

Brisbane gets a daily flight from Bangkok at 2359, landing at 0620, using an Airbus 340-600 with First Class. It returns at 0755, landing at 2245. There are also flight at 0755, landing at 2245, using the same A340 that goes first down to Sydney, and again this adds a lot of time to the journey.

Airline schedules change regularly.

This information is intended as a guide, but for up to the minute timetables, please consult Thai.

Perth has a direct flights from Bangkok on a Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday at 0750, plus Midnight flights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Beware that on the return, the A330 leaving at 0915 on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday calls in at Phuket (HKT) on the way, adding an extra hour and a half to the journey.

Thai also has codeshares to the USA with United via Japan.

Around the peninsular there are some codeshare flights on Malaysian airways planes.

Up to the northern hub of Chiang-Mai (CNX), there are shuttles pretty much every hour or two. Most of these use the ancient Airbus A300 planes (known as the AB6) Thai should have scrapped years ago, but every day a 777-300 is rostered onto the 1720 flight from Bangkok, which is by far the flight of choice. For those hunting a 747 on a ultra-shorthaul, there is the 0745 on a Tuesday and Friday. The return on a Tuesday and Friday leaving Chiang Mai at 0955 is also on a 747-400. These flights have become notorious in Frequent Flyer circles, because Business Class seats on the upper deck are very cheap indeed, and gain considerably extra miles on some Frequent Flyer programmes.

Thai Airways frequent flyer programme - Royal Orchid Plus

Royal Orchid Plus is Thai's frequent flier programme, and is part of the Star Alliance.

You get one mile for each real mile flow, even on the cheapest fares. Business Class gets 125%, and First Class 150% of actual miles flown. Some Star Alliance partner's discounted fares don't get any miles.

Base Membership

Anyone can join the Royal Orchid Plus scheme. However, there are no benefits just for joining. You can sign up online at the end of which you'll get a page to printout with the image of your temporary card. Make sure you do this, otherwise you won't get another chance to join. From the first month of joining Thai with post you real statements of the miles you've collected, even if you haven't flown any miles.

Royal Orchid Plus Silver

Thai 747-400 at Sydney, Australia

Silver level can be achieved at 10,000 miles flown just on Thai, or 15,000 miles on any Star Alliance airline, within one year, where the year ends at the end of the calendar year.

You get 3,000 miles for free, just for getting to this level, and an extra 10kg of luggage. And thats it - not even business class check in.

Royal Orchid Plus Gold

Gold level can be achieved at 50,000 miles flown, or 80,000 miles from enrolment until the end of the next calendar year.

You get 5,000 miles for free, just for getting to this level, two luggage tags, and an extra 20kg of luggage. There is business class check in even in economy, plus access to the lounges, and - the best perk of all - one round-trip complimentary upgrade to the next class of service using a paid ticket.

Thai 747 at London Heathrow

Royal Orchid Plus - Redeeming miles

Thai Airbus A330 at Bangkok

Thai organise the world around their hub in BKK. A round trip from BKK to Singapore uses 25,000 miles (35,000 business), to Hong Kong is 35,000 miles (50,000 business) all of Australia is 45,000 (75,000 business) London is 65,000 miles (105,000 business) while to get from the UK to Oz uses 85,000 (125 in business).

It is also possible to use your points to upgrade. One-way upgrading from Economy to Business. BKK to Sydney is 30,000 miles, while BKK to London is 40,000.

Thai Airways Royal Orchid / Royal Silk Business Class Lounges

Bangkok lounge entrance

Thai have three types of lounges. First, Royal Silk (business) and the obscure Royal Orchid (the old Executive, also now for economy passengers) lounges. At outstations First class lounges offer a bar with a barmaid who'll mix cocktails. There are a few snacks, and there are computers. Royal Silk (Executive/Business) class lounges just have a walk up bar, have no food. All lounges have a good choice of international newspapers and magazines. Thai lounges were once some of the worst in Asia, but Thai have revamped them to the level that they are now up to the usual international standard.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi New Thai lounges

Bangkok lounge location map

Thai Airways maintains several lounges at it's new hub, the sparkling Bangkok airport Suvarnabhumi (BKK). This is not to be confused with the old airport at Don Mueang International Airport (now called DMK, although it had the airport code BKK for decades).

The lounges are vastly different from the old lounges at Don Mueang, and include a main lounge area with both a business class and a full First class lounges, plus a spa.

There are various lounges dotted around the terminal, all past security, and all on Level 3, with the main lounge complex just past security in concourse D, plus more lounges at Concourse C & E, and even an economy class lounge.

Bangkok New Business lounge

Thai Airways Bangkok Royal Silk (Business Class) Lounge

Concourse D, Level 3 Opening Hours: 24 hours
Once you've checked in at the dedicated business desk - or even in the small First enclave to the left of this - at Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you'll go throught passport checks (but no security checks - those are at the gates) and then down a long escalator.

Bangkok New Business lounge food

Carry on down - past the halfway landing where the shops are - and you'll be greeted at the desk to have your ticket checked, and welcomed to what must rank as the longest business class lounge. The huge flagship-lounge is like a corridor - with banks of seats on either side. Alas it's all rather gloomy, with no windows looking out onto the runway, and all decked out in a purple and blue colour scheme.

There are several food areas, the main one on the left about half way down. It's on a raised area, and is pretty much continaully topped up by the staff who hover around you. There are some big silver toureens with noodles (chicken, beef, or fish: it's good to see Thai stick to the airline cliche s).

Bangkok New Business lounge bar

There is a lounge Lobby Bar with piano, and several other bars througout the lounge, although these are rather poorly stocked.

Bangkok New Business lounge

In the far end of the lounge there is an Internet Room with 13 brand new fast PCs. Free wifi is available throughout the lounge. There are TV on several walls. Further back in the lounge there is a sleeping corner, with slumber seats, the shower Rooms, and a Kids Corner (there's not really a lot in here, but a few toys).

Thai Bangkok First Lounge

Travelling in First on Thai (not available to Australia) and you get the delight that is... a golf trolley ride. After you check in you are escorted down the escalator, and at the bottom sat on a golf buggy: this drives you to the end of the business class lounge where the first lounge resides. It is a wonderous novelty, but utterly pointless (it only saves about 3 minutes walking) and you feel a bit of an idiot taking it. There is a similar cart that picks you up if you arrive on a First class flights.

Bangkok New First lounge

Up in the First class lounge (which is separated from the plebs in business by the dragon's desk and double doors) there is a large room with comfy chairs, and smaller sitting rooms (all with TVs) for those who want a bit of privacy. The only snag is the constant nagging attention of the staff. You aren't expected to get anything yourself: they hover at your elbow, and you only have to raise a hand and there are several of them fawning at your feet asking what they could possibly do for you. This can get annoying.

Bangkok New First lounge

Food is great in the lounge. There is a separate dining room where you can sit down with a menu and work your way through a five course dinner, or a smaller pantry where snacks are on display. Don't make the mistake of taking any from the display though: the staff ask you what you want and bring it to your seat. There is a large array of la Carte dining, including pasta, and salads, canapes, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables (with dips) plus cheese and biscuits.

The small Bar has a great selection of spirits and champers: the staff will happily open a bottle of whatever Champagne you like (such as Krug) just for you to drink. The whisky selection is quite spectacular, and there is a comprehensive wine list, but you should resist when staff tell you that they will "bring your drink to your seat". This involves the butler passing on your request to the barman who then hands your drink to a waitress: the whole process can take 20 minutes, and you are much better off just talking to the barman yourself.

Bangkok New First lounge dining room

There are four luxury en suite shower rooms right at the back of the lounge, and four very good slumber rooms, plus a mini Library. Computers are however very poor in the lounge, with just four in the office by the main door, which are very slow and often occupied by precocious children.

Bangkok New First lounge

The Royal Orchid Spa at the opposite of the First Class Lounge is brilliant. It is aimed at First Class passengers and offered a full ranges of services including a Gym Room, Foot-massage and traditional Thai massage (but alas only neck and shoulder). The highlight are the 3 Spa Suites with Jaqucci and a tropical rain fall shower. If you are in business you can also use the Spa, subject to space availability, but Thai charge you for this.

Bangkok economy class lounge

Economy passengers on Thai get the rare treat of access to a lounge at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. Indeed, it is rare among airlines, most of which operate only First and Business-class lounges, except for Bangkok airways (which has a lounge for all on the other side of the airport). It sure beats sitting on the hard metal benches in the airport concourse.

True, the lounge isn't brilliant. But Thai is following a trend at other new airports which have started offering economy-class lounges. There is plenty of seating, showers, a telly showing Thai films, and free internet access.

Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) lounges

At the old Bangkok airport (Don Mueang International or DMK (NB: This was called BKK until 2006)) there are four Thai lounges, two of each type. There are first and executive lounges on the extreme end of terminal 1, just by the walkway to the domestic terminal. There is also another first lounge by duty free next if you turn left after passport control. There is another executive lounge if you turn right after passport control, right by gate 31. This is the most convenient, but also the smallest, and fullest. At check in its worth asking for a lounge map to find all of them.

Thai Bangkok Don Mueang DMK International Executive lounge

Bar at Thai Executive lounge, DMK, Bangkok, (Gate 1-11)

Terminal 1, by Gate 1 to 11 Open 0530-2330
Use of the lounge is open to Thai Airways First and Business class, Star Alliance Gold members - and is used by some TG codeshare partners.

Welcome at reception is very curt. A number of computer terminals provide free internet access - however you must register at the counter, and have to pay if you require more than 15 minutes. Food is good, however the bar service is downright lousy.

This is a vast room of a lounge, which seems a bit dingy, as there are no windows. Armchair seating is located around the outer areas of the lounge, with the self serve food counters in the central area. Fencing divides the areas of the lounge up, but they just seem to get in the way rather than making it cosier.

As you walk in you are confronted by the bar, while there are separate rooms around the edges, such as the prayer room, a small smoking room, and massage chairs in the opposite corner. At one end of the lounge is a fenced off raised platform - with a range of seating - reserved for first class passengers. However this is no more comfortable than the other end of the lounge, and there are no checks on who goes up here. There is a small free internet centre, however its hard to get onto the machines as they are always busy.

Food in Thai lounge at DMK, Bangkok (Gate 1-11)

Two TVs are located around the lounge (often on CNN very loud) , however to watch them you have to in effect sit in the corridor, with a hard lino floor - sterile, its not the most comfortable of places.

The food in the central buffet area is pretty good. By lunchtime there's a big pot of curry and rice. There are also pastries in a small heated cabinet, and a good selection of cheeses.

The bar has a very good spirit selection, particularly whisky, however there is only Singa and Chang beer, and the wine is particularly disappointing, with just one bottle of white.

Thai Royal Orchard lounge at DMK, Bangkok, Gate 31

Thai Bangkok Don Mueang DMK Executive lounge by Gate 31 at DMK

Terminal 1, by Gate 31 Open 0700-2100
This is a much smaller, more intimate lounge, which is also much more convenient for the gates - alas this means it's normally crowded, and very hard to get a seat. At mid-morning and late evening periods, the lounge gets very overcrowded - and finding 2 seats together proves a daunting task. To compensate it has huge windows, with great views of the planes.

Food early morning is great, with a good selection of fruit to the left hand side of the lounge, and pastries to the right, but the selection of food by mid-morning period is sparse - the breakfast offering having run out and little else available for the rest of the day.

The bar is very good, with a great selection of 8 whiskys. Beer is the usual Singa, in cans, and there is only one type of white and red, and no champers. Do not believe the clock above the bar - it hasn't worked in years.

Newspapers are very poor, with just Thai language editions. There are two internet computers, and two showers which are filthy, decrepit and falling apart, with mould on the walls. Thai codeshare airline customers must pay if they want to use the shower.

Singapore - Thai Royal Orchard lounge

Terminal 1, third floor Open 0700-1300 & 1400-2200
The major problem with this lounge is getting into it. If you are a Star Alliance Gold member the staff try very hard to turn you away, and encourage you to use the Premier lounge in Terminal 2. Be assured you are allowed in, despite the lack of Star Alliance Gold signs.

SingaporeThai Royal Orchard lounge

The lounge is however very similar to the Premier lounge, with no real windows or views of the runway. The seating is good, but there are no computers, and the newspapers are Thai only, apart from the obilgatory Straits Times. There are two phone cubicles, which take credit cards.

There are two small fridges on either side of the food area, with Tiger and Singa beer. There are a few bottles of spirits, with 3 types of whisky, and one gin.

Food is limited, with the usual asian pasty warmer, having a few crossants, and lovely little pies. There are also some boxes of cornflakes in the morning.

Kuala Lumpur - Thai Royal Orchard lounge

Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level Open 0700-last flight

KUL Thai Royal Orchard lounge

Access for Star Alliance Gold card holders

KUL the bar selection

This lounge really shows what is wrong with Thai. The quality of implementation is superb - this is a large, well built lounge, with some fantastic carving around the walls, good seats, and it gives a solid impression of quality. Alas maintainance and service let down the whole system, food is poor, the drink selection is downright lousy, and business facilities woeful.

There is a great view of the (normally deserted) KLIA apron from the big comfy armchairs, with two TV's overhead (which just show local KL TV, and have poor reception). Indeed, if you are travelling first class you can go into the normally chained off area, with leather armchairs and get your own TV - although this ridiculous attempt to make a first class area surely only benefits those who seek to let people know they are travelling first.

The bar is very poor. There is no wine. Beer is in the fridge and comes with the usual varieties of Heiniken, Carlsberg, and the highly unusual Anchor Steam Beer. This is a lovely smooth sort of bitter. There is a vast rack of a lot of empty optics (spot how poor the Thai service is - they can't even be bothered to replace the empty bottles) with just a single bottle each of Gin, Vodka, and Johnnie Walker.

KUL the food

Food is just about tolerable. There are some pretty nasty sandwiches, wrapped in vast amounts of plastic, spring rolls, noodles, and weird bright green Swiss Rolls.

KUL the beer

There is a derisory collection of newspapers with just the New Straits Times, a Malaysian language daily, and plenty of copies of inflight magazaines. At the far end are two office suites, with some very old computers. Only one is open - broken furniture is stored in the other - and the computers do not connect to the Internet.

All in all this lounge is a bit of a waste of time, however access is sometimes possible if you are on the Thai/Malaysian codeshare to Phuket with a Star Alliance Gold Card, even if you didn't buy your ticket via Thai.

Hong Kong Thai Lounge

Far end of terminal pier Open 0600-2200
The lounges at Hong Kong's new airport are top notch, and some of the best on Thai's network. They are at the end of the long pier, upstairs, and at the other side of the V shape to United's poorer offering. It also has the most ridiculously separated First Class section you'll ever see in a lounge. With flights with First, the section of the lounge nearest the desk overlooking the sunsets is roped off, and you can sit there in all your glory. With, it must be said, a slightly better selection of booze, and an improved slumber area. Thoughout the lounge there is a great view of the planes.

Hong Kong Thai Lounge

Food is pretty good, with a self service salad bar (only on the business side) plus hot soup and pasta in heated tourines. There are sandwiches tightly wrapped in cling-film, and ice-cream in the small table-top freezer.

The self-service bar is OK, with 10 spirits and two types of wine (white or red) but is fairly nondescript. There is only one type of beer- San Miquell - in the fridge.

There are 3 sleeping areas (but in the full glow of the lights). There are two very large HD TVs, showing CNN (why?). Computer facilities are very good in the lounge with 9 new, fast, internet PCs. At the back of the business class lounge there are also three playstation computer game consoles. You have to talk to reception for a joystick, and hand it back after 20 minutes.

London - Thai London Lounge

Terminal 3. Open 0600-2200

London lounge downstairs

Access for SAS/Canadian/Varig/Thai business class passengers, and Star Alliance Gold card holders

Thai Airways uses the Scandinavian Airlines London Lounge. Designed by Swedish architects and opened in 2003, it combines the old SAS (which was only a third of the size) & Air Canada's previous Maple Leaf Lounge.

It is fabulous, and has the wow factor that very few lounges have now. Its a minimalist land of stripped pine, white walls, and art that says art.

London lounge food

The two-story lounge seats 350 people and is easy to find - its located directly adjacent to the duty free transit area. Due to the chaos at the terminal resulting from the need to separate incoming and outgoing passengers, you'll need to wait until the staff move the plastic barrier to allow you in.

It's has two floors with different atmospheres. The ground floor provides a livelier atmosphere, similar to a hotel lobby, while the upper floor offers a more 'relax-and-unwind' atmosphere with seating areas including massage chairs, a library (with some really good books and a big reading table) and showers. There are several works of art including mini Buddha figures by Fredrik Wretmann and Albin Karlsson's clock. Award winning Canadian textile artist Elyse de la Fontaine has two prominent pieces on display.

London lounge the library

Upstairs the lounge features a 12-seat cinema (a box glass room with a really big TV), along with a TV in the open (a 32" with Freeview); a games room with tabletop curling developed by a former member of the Swedish Olympic team (which is great fun to play on - mind the curtains); and a separate Kids Lounge (with lots of Lego). There are also a few computers at the back. The seats up here are the most comfortable, and in the corner there is a view of some of the nearby gates. There is a bar here hidden by the back corridor, with beer on draft, and spirits (vodka, gin, whisky).

Downstairs there's a business centre with computers and high-speed Internet access including wireless options around a circular bar area. There is Sky TV on the flatscreen TV on the wall under the stairs, and a smoking glass box, next to the newspaper pod, with loads of papers (all of which you can take away) including all the UK papers, and one Thai paper.

London lounge food

Downstairs the bar has 4 types of white and red, but no champers. Mineral water comes on draft, but there are no spirits, and the only beer downstairs is Singa, in small bottles.

Food on both levels comes in a buffet area. It provides fresh fruit, including peppers, carrots, and cauliflower (but no dips), and lots of cheese to choose from, with Boursin & Smoret in tubs, plus two types of cheddar and red Leicester.

There are digestives or Cream Crackers to put them on. Two types of nuts in bags. Three types of fruitcake, all sealed in plastic. Early in the morning there are some good pastries.

Thai History

Reviews and opinions on Thai Airways have not always been favourable - and history of the company is often cited as the cause. There have been several accusations that Thai is often more interested in employing relations of current Thai employees, than in coming up with profit making business ideas.

Thai Airways International was founded in 1960 as a joint venture between Thailand's domestic carrier, Thai Airways Company and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) with the Scandinavian carrier initially providing a 30% share capital of two million Baht. SAS also provided operations, managerial and marketing expertise, with training assistance aiming at building a fully independent national airline within the shortest possible time. Thai nationals, through training and experience, were gradually able to assume full managerial responsibility and the number of expatriate staff duly reduced until, in 1987, expatriates accounted for less than one percent of staff based in Thailand.

In 1960, flights were inaugurated from Bangkok to 9 overseas destinations all within the Asian region. Intercontinental services were launched in 1971, to Australia, followed by flights to Europe in 1972, and to North America in 1980.

On April 1, 1977, after a 17 - year capital participation partnership with SAS, the Thai Government bought out SAS remaining 15 % holding and THAI became fully owned by the Thai people. Thai Airways International growth was greatly accelerated in 1988 as a result of its merger with Thai Airways Company, the domestic airline, which raised the Company's share capital from 1,400 million to 2,230 million Baht.

Under the Cabinet policy, as authorised by General Prem Tinsulanonda, Prime Minister at the time, Thai Airways International would be responsible for commercial aviation, both international and domestic. Thai Airways International can now rightfully be called Thailand's only national carrier. On June 25, 1991, Thailand Cabinet approved a resolution enabling THAI to list its shares on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Thai Hints & Tips

Fully booked empty planes

Thai have some codeshared planes around the peninsular, with Thai codeshare flights on Malaysian airways planes. Often these will appear either fully booked or expensive on the Thai website, such as from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur. If you book them on the Malaysian Airlines website, they are available - and much cheaper.

Operational Upgrades

One of the common questions is "How do I get an upgrade on Thai to Business or First class?". Alas, getting upgraded to business class on Thai really isn't that easy. The airline has the Western, rather than American, model for upgrades longhaul. Which is to say you'll only get an upgrade if your paid for class is full, and then upgrades are processed accordingly to a pecking order of elite frequent flyer status. You are very unlikely to ever get an upgrade unless you are at least a Gold Star Alliance member.

To start with, make sure you are a frequent flyer, and you do fly frequently: after all, if Thai are going to upgrade anyone, they will upgrade those passengers who fly with them pretty regularly, and hence will enjoy the upgrade enough to put more business Thai's way. Then if the flight is full in economy, and someone needs to be moved up, the check in staff will first look at Gold members, and then Silver level, and then at other Star Alliance members at the equivalent levels. Another thing that Thai look at is how much you paid for your ticket: it's much more likely to happen with a full fare ticket (although occasionally you can get lucky with a discounted economy ticket).

As always, my advice on dressing properly in the pages on how to get an upgrade applies.

Thai website

Bangkok Thai 747

Thai's website is like going back in time to the birth of the Internet. Using very basic HTML, it has the style of a mid 90s site. There are seatmaps and film listings, but the booking system is very basic. Get ready for some very big fonts!

Main website: www.thaiair.com
There are also Seatmaps
You can see the Inflight services with a laughable text.
There is a list of the inflight films.

Note that all reviews and opinions on Thai (TQ) food, service, seats, planes, upgrades, lounges, the Royal Silk lounges, and the Frequent Flyer scheme is soley at my judgement. No legal liability is accepted if you take my advice.