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Published on August 24, 2007

Long-haul air passengers using Thai Airways' Royal Orchid First lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport are assured that time spent in the departure terminal will be relaxing and stress-free.

The lounge has become a popular oasis for first-class passengers to escape the hustle and bustle for relaxation, refreshments or even work.

Thanks to extensive options and service the lounge was named top of the Skytrax world rankings for 2007. It had lost the spot to Cathay Pacific last year.

The airline opened eight lounges in September last year and they are playing a big part in strengthening its brand image and identity.

The first-class lounge at concourse D covers 1,400 square metres and can accommodate 200 passengers, said deputy director of product and service support, Siriporn Yongpiyanan.

It is always busy between 6pm and 8pm and from 10pm to midnight - times when long-haul passengers are looking for privacy and comfortable surroundings before take-off.

Facilities include a music room, private rooms, dining, a business centre with wireless Internet access, showers, slumber rooms and a Royal Orchid spa.

THAI offers dining for late-night travellers bound for Europe in the restaurant before boarding, rather than being woken up in the wee hours.

Chefs offer a variety of meals, including halal food for Muslims. A Japanese menu will be added soon.

The spa offers foot, neck and shoulder massages, showers, sauna, and a gym, yoga and exercise room. The three spa suites offer gentle and relaxing massage using traditional techniques.

The spa is exclusively for first-class passengers and treatments can take up to two hours.

Siriporn acknowledges that competition is intense, with international airlines building exclusive lounges for first-class passengers.

But THAI is confident its well-trained staff and Thai culture will be unique.

Lounge staff speak at least English and one other language - Japanese, Chinese or even Russian. They are trained in the cultures of various nations.

"The airline has created an extensive range of passenger services with the aim to be passengers' first choice," Siriporn said.