After an unforgettable and relaxing five-day stay at the Staybridge Suites Thonglor, my time in Bangkok was coming to an end. Despite my reluctance to leave, the prospect of experiencing Thai Airways First Class and the Lufthansa brand’s Allegris business class softened the blow.
However, before boarding my midnight flight to London, I had the chance to explore the Thai Airways First Class Lounge at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. In this detailed review, I’ll walk you through the lounge’s luxurious offerings, including its top-tier amenities, exceptional service, and dining experience.
This is my Thai Airways First Class Lounge review.
Checking In: A Seamless Process
Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) well ahead of my midnight flight to London, I was eager to make the most of the renowned Thai Airways First Class Lounge experience.
My day had been a mix of relaxation and activity. After enjoying a very late check out at my hotel at 2 PM, I enjoyed the fantastic onsen spa and pool facilities at the Staybridge Suites, which helped me unwind before heading to the airport.
Later, a lengthy walk left me feeling a bit overheated, so I planned my arrival with plenty of time to freshen up with a pre-shower and fully explore the lounge’s offerings.
At Bangkok’s sprawling Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai Airways provides a dedicated First Class check-in area, discreetly located at the end of the terminal. This exclusive space ensures a seamless and stress-free start to your journey.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by smiling staff who took my travel documents and offered a refreshing cold towel and drink while they processed my check-in.
Once everything was in order, I was personally escorted through a dedicated security line, skipping the usual hustle and bustle of the main terminal. From there, we descended an escalator, bypassing the Royal Silk Business Class Lounge, and entered the roped-off First Class Lounge area.
Thai Airways First Class Lounge Bangkok Airport Location
The Thai Airways First Class Lounge is nestled within the larger business class lounge area, past security and down an escalator to the right. Unlike standalone first-class lounges like the Oman Air First Class Lounge in Muscat, this lounge is sectioned off within the business class space.
Despite this, it offers an exclusive and spacious environment, with ample seating for the limited number of first-class passengers.
For those entering from the main terminal, the lounge’s primary entrance is conveniently located directly opposite Gate D4.
Thai Airways Lounge Access and Hours
The Thai Airways Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge operates daily from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
The First Class section of the lounge is located on the western side, reserved exclusively for Thai Airways First Class passengers. This ensures a serene and private experience tailored to premium travelers. On the larger eastern side, business class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members can access the expansive Business Class lounge area.
For those flying out late after midnight and checking out of your hotel earlier in the day, the lounge provides a welcome retreat to relax and refresh before your journey. I arrived well ahead of my flight and found the lounge fully operational, offering its complete range of amenities to help pass the time in comfort and luxury.
Thai Airways First Class Lounge Service & Amenities
Seating
Upon entering the Thai Airways First Class Lounge, I chose a quiet spot to drop my bags before exploring the space.
The seating layout offers a mix of comfort and functionality, catering to different preferences. Rows of single chairs are arranged with marble-topped tables and stylish curved lamps nestled between them, providing a modern yet inviting atmosphere. Along the glass wall overlooking the terminal, tables are arranged in pairs facing each other, offering a great spot to watch the activity below.
Closer to the dining area and near the restrooms, additional seating includes chairs set against the walls, with arrangements varying between rows of five and four. Charging stations are conveniently built into many of the tables, ensuring guests can keep their devices powered up while they relax.
The lounge’s décor features green walls, which add a serene touch to the space. While the overall aesthetic is similar to the Business Class lounge, the First Class section boasts upgraded seating that offers a more luxurious feel.
For those seeking extra privacy, a tucked-away corner houses a “Private Room” behind an opaque door. Inside, you’ll find a cozy seating area complete with a flat-screen TV, perfect for those who want to unwind in a quieter, more exclusive space.
Interestingly, there were far more seats available than the First Class cabin could accommodate—a trend I’ve noticed in other First Class lounges I’ve reviewed. This ensures plenty of room for guests to relax without feeling crowded, even during peak hours.
Washrooms and Showers
A standout feature is the large, well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities. After a day exploring Bangkok’s humid streets, a pre-flight shower was a welcome luxury.
The shower facilities are impeccably maintained and come with a thoughtful array of amenities. Each shower suite includes fluffy towels neatly presented in a purple silk-branded case, adding a touch of elegance.
Toiletries and other essentials are arranged in a well-organized basket, ensuring guests have everything they need. This attention to detail elevates the experience, making it feel indulgent and restorative.
Royal Orchid Spa: A Notable Missing Perk
One of the standout features of flying with Thai Airways, especially in Business or First Class, has been the exceptional Royal Orchid Spa at Bangkok Airport. Known for its commitment to providing premium services, the spa offers a unique and luxurious experience to travelers looking to unwind before their flights
Business Class passengers were once treated to a complimentary 30-minute back or foot massage, while First Class guests enjoyed a 60-minute full-body massage.
However, a significant downside in recent times is the closure of the lounge’s spa, which included these beloved massage services. Once a hallmark of Thai Airways’ exceptional hospitality, this service was highly praised and eagerly anticipated by travelers.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the entire spa has remained closed, much to the disappointment of many loyal passengers who hoped for its return.
Food and Drink: A Culinary Treat
Shortly after settling in, an attentive attendant presented an extensive menu. A refreshing welcome drink, a purple concoction called Nam Dok Anchan, was served. This Thai iced tea made with butterfly pea flowers turns purple when lemon juice is added—an intriguing and delicious start to the experience and certainly on brand with the airline.
I was hungry and wanted to try all the things but had to save myself for lobster onbaord Thai Airways 777 First Class service to London. I opted to go light and tried the spring roll which was just OK.
Other Thai options included Shrimp Pad Thai, Khao Pad Ka Prao, Grilled Pork or Beef, and Tom Yum Kung. Western dishes ranged from Lamb Cutlets and Beef Steak in a Peppercorn Sauce to Snapper, Salmon, and Pesto Linguine.
The drinks menu was equally impressive, featuring an assortment of fresh juices, including burnt coconut juice (a first for me), smoothies, and soft drinks. Full bar service offered champagne, beers like Chang, Singha, and Heineken, and spirits such as Hennessy Cognac and a good selection of whiskies, including 12-year-aged Chivas Regal and Thai Whisky Mekhong.
Signature cocktails sounded refreshing, and there was a long list of classic cocktails to choose from. An extensive selection of hot and cold coffee drinks rounded out the offerings.
After enjoying my drinks and snack I gave in and headed to the dining area for a proper meal. Although all the high-end dishes looked great, I couldn’t resist one last Thai curry before leaving the country.
While the presentation of the massaman curry wasn’t as refined as I’d hoped, the flavors were authentic and satisfying.
Beyond the menu, the lounge offers a selection of salads, desserts, and small bites. The macarons caught my eye, and despite being quite full, I couldn’t resist indulging in one before leaving.
Boarding: A Small Misstep
One aspect of the experience that could be improved was the boarding process. Unlike other first-class lounges, there were no announcements or personal notifications for boarding. I had to repeatedly check with staff and eventually decided to head to the gate on my own.
Unfortunately, this meant I missed out on the escorted gate service, a feature I thoroughly enjoyed with my Oman Air First Class flight.
When I arrived at the gate, I discovered a delay, which explained the lack of urgency. In hindsight, I should have waited for further instructions rather than rushing to the gate.
Wrapping Up This Thai Airways First Class Lounge Review
The Thai Airways First Class Lounge at Bangkok Airport delivers a luxurious and serene experience, perfect for unwinding before a long-haul flight. From the seamless check-in process to the attentive service and delicious dining options, the lounge excels in providing comfort and exclusivity.
While the absence of certain services, like the complimentary massage, and the lack of a polished boarding process were minor drawbacks, the overall experience was exceptional. If you’re flying first class with Thai Airways, this lounge is a must-visit.
For more insights into Thai Airways’ premium offerings, check out my reviews of Thai Airways Business Class and Thai Airways First Class service. If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, don’t miss my posts on the ChangChui Night Market, known for its quirky airplane-themed attractions, and the Staybridge Suites Thonglor, where I enjoyed unparalleled hospitality.
Additionally, if you have time to kill in the city, I highly recommend this Bangkok Day Tour to make the most of your time in the city.
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THAI FCL lounge isn’t really that good. It’s part of the regular lounge. Did you check out the “fish tank room” in the middle that was originally for FCL pax?
Yes, it is a roped-off section, but it is quite large. Where is the fish tank?