Review: Thai Royal Silk Lounge in Bangkok

Thai Royal Silk lounge is located on the third floor of concourse D at Suvarnabhumi International airport in Bangkok (BKK). After skipping most of my meal on the short flight from Saigon to Bangkok in Thai Airways 777-200 (Business class review here), I was keen on getting to the lounge for a warm meal and some quite work time.

Thai Royal Silk lounge, Bangkok

This was my first visit to this lounge and the signage in concourse D were easy to follow along. I arrived at the check-in desk just before 11pm to what seemed like a very busy lounge and perhaps peak hours for international layovers.

Thai Royal Silk Lounge signage in concourse D

There was a lineup at the check-in desk, with at least 6-8 passengers ahead of me. All three reps seemed engaged in resolving an issue for the two passengers at the desk, while we waited to check-in. Eventually, one of the three noticed the lineup and decided to split out and help with the check-in. The 10 minute wait seemed longer and certainly the longest I have had to wait to get into  lounge.

Busy check-in desk

The decor and furnishing around the check-in area seemed tired and dated. The large empty wall with the name and logo lacked character and failed to impress.

Main entrance signage

The lounge was a long passage of seating area with the food section and washrooms to the very end. Maybe it was the low ceiling, seating arrangement or the inconsistant lighting, but the lounge felt gloomy and crammed.

Busy lounge – seating area

The lounge did empty out just after midnight

The dim lighting along the sides of the lounge did bother me a lot, it felt neither warm nor welcoming.

Dark and gloomy seating area

Well lit but extremely busy seating area

Thai Royal Silk Lounge – Food

Thankfully, the food section was well lit and  stocked with a good selection of warm and cold options. The main island in the centre served hot appetizers and mains while cold sandwiches and desserts were being served in a separate area across the room.

Food station

My favorite was the live station serving freshly made mushroom wontons in a clear soup, with spring onions and chilli flakes. The soup was hearty, warm and hit the spot!

Mushroom wonton soup

Hot food/Appetizers: Fried fish cakes and grilled chicken

Sandwich bar

Fresh fruit station

Coffee Station

Other lounge amenities

Again, the business centre in the lounge looked dated and the closed cubicles did not inspire me to give it a try. I travel to be away from cubicles, not in it.

Business Center (for those missing cubicle life)

There was a dedicated phone room in the lounge, with a land line and desk+chair. I don’t recall any other lounge I have visited, that has a dedicated phone room.

Claustrophobic Phone room

While most lounges cater heavily to the business traveler, a kids playroom was a good amenity for those that travel with family.

Play room for kids

Last but not least –  Passengers traveling on Thai business/Royal Silk class (onward travel) can avail a complimentary 30 minute Traditional Neck & Shoulder massage at the Royal Orchid Spa. The spa is located opposite the Thai Royal Silk Lounge. Unfortunately (or fortunately), my next leg was in ANA business class which ruled me out of this benefit.

Thai Royal Orchid Spa

Take Away

The lounge did not live up to my expectations. While it was functional and provided bare necessities, it did not boast luxury or a relaxing environment for that matter. It was overly crowded, in fact there were customer service reps on hand to simply ‘help find you a seat’. The food is definitely the highlight and the wonton soup was exceptional. Internet connectivity in lounge was decent, I was able to make a couple of WhatsApp calls. I rate the lounge a solid ‘meh‘.