Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus - What is your experience of Thai ROP Platinum?

I posted this on an Asian travel forum, but there are obviously no Platinum members on the forum as I did not get any replies.......any Platinum members out there who could respond?

This new "Invitation Only" premium tier has been around for about twelve months now, with (supposedly) about 3,500 members. It promises a "world of privilege" with "priority airport services" and "priority when contacting the Thai Contact Centre", in addition to "enhanced recognition and benefits when flying Thai".

I have been a Platinum member for almost five months now and, to date, have had only one "enhanced recognition experience", when my name was on a board as I de-planed and a nice man carried my hand luggage and escorted me to Seoul Immigration. But that is the sum total, in almost 66,000 miles of travel on Thai since being invited to join Platinum.

As for "Priority Airport services", well nobody in Thai's ROP Customer Service seems to know what this means, never mind knowing what the enhanced benefits are when flying Thai. I am referring to benefits that are not listed as being part of the Platinum benefits. The priority airport services, and enhanced benefits are shown as being in addition to the regular benefits listed such as separate check in area, use of the F lounge etc.

As an example, I called the special Contact Centre number for Thai Platinum members and after 35 minutes of listening to the usual promotional rubbish I hung up, realising that this may be a special number but it certainly does not get you any priority service when calling the Contact Centre.

The one extra discounted rewards voucher is nice, as is being able to use the First Class Lounge at Swampy, but these are rarely used (by me anyway).

I wonder if there are any other Platinum members out there who have experienced the elusive "priority airport services" and "enhanced recognition and benefits" and, if so, perhaps you could let me in on what I'm missing, and/or share your Platinum experiences in general?

Or maybe someone from Thai Airways might like to enlighten us?

Khun Thaikwai ,

principally I would be able to enlighten you on the Thai Plutonium program but after a bottle of French Rose`I fear to collide with Flyertalk rules of political correctness and therefore might ask you to wait til tomorrow . Kind of promise , honestly .

Somkiat

They dont like words like ....ing and ........ that`s why . Pity really .

Assuming , of course , I wake up sober but usually i do .

I have been a Platinum member for almost five months now and, to date, have had only one "enhanced recognition experience?

Say good morning to the CSM as you board the plane, sometimes they are shy or quiet, try doing this for a week or two, this will change things as far as recognition is concerned, you soon get to know them and they get to know you and they never forget you.. Reading the post I would say that Plat is not going to make a world of difference to your flying, but it does for those outside of the Kingdom. Most plats were big time Gold card flyers, they were not flying Thai because they loved them, it was just commonsense to use them because of commitments in Thailand and neighbouring countries. An Australia to China ticket which so many buy twice a month, returns a staggering volume of miles each year. All the extra perks we had worked out a long time ago, we were getting return upgrades for every 50K, years ago but the use of the lounge, the spa, the checkins and the cheap purchase of awards for friends are the main features. I wouldn't hang on a phone for more than 30sec, you should get to know one or two operators who will look after you.

I think flying with other airlines makes you can either appreciate or understand more about TG. In most cases you will find that the other carriers have better aircrafts fancier food and better looking FAs, yet they do not look after you on the ground. TG offices are their greatest benefits for plats. the offices in Australia Indonesia hong Kong and Vietnam are exceptional. The main perk with Thai Airways is with all the flying 200k-300k flyers are doing, they ensure there are minimal problems, picking up the phone and being on a plane within hours is worthy of gong, changing tickets and sorting out awards is a nightmare, they seem to relish all that.

Many find that TG are happy to do things for us, it is in the Thai nature to help, which in our many culture has been forgotten. In Bangkok to arrive, have a massage and shower and be plonked back into another plane within the hour is doable, nowhere else is it. Most other places in my travels, if I asked someone to run across the road and pay 700baht for me they would laugh, or to walk with you from checkin to the plane, just in case there is a problem, get a life they would say.

Mr Thaikwai ,

first of all I would like you to understand that Thai Plutonium is an instrument to make you feel selected , kind of Academie Francaise , Order of The Garter or the Chinese Polit Office . Invitation only everywhere . Because all that is not worth anything witghout the planet knowing about your status they supply you a truckload of plastic labels enough to label the dustbin in front of your domestic estate . You shoud consequently not appear being too picky about any materilistic consequences of your upgade within human society .

Which leads us to your complaints .

Within the range of benefits that are on offer there are only two of interest to me :

1) Keeping the neighbouring seat free . On a recent checkin for Guangzhou the Thai person told me that she did take care of this without me having asked for it . Very pleased . Though I later realised we were 6 people alltogether in the cabin . But anyway she did take care . On the way back just few seats were left and again the one next to me was free . So this seems to work .

2) Secret service-telephone number . As you say this leads you into the standard Bangkok system which is a most efficient tool to let you develop your first heart attack . The first 15 minutes you enjoy listening to Thai's special offers for cheap flights to Nakhon ....up which you start to dislike after the 12th time and when finally the " agent " talks you did possibly forget why you rang . I did never make the 35 minutes that you reported because my expiry time is about 20 , in excess . I now ring the Frankfurt office which arranges anything in a wee second . Typically I am trying to leave the People's Republic next day and it is night time already . I agree with your point that this needs improvement .


As I have now assembled many labels enough to present myself as Platinum til I die they might as well cancel the whole thing , mission completed . Thai is perfect for my purposes as long as , I may insist , the drinks are cold , plentyful and of high quality . Which they are .

Over to you

Say good morning to the CSM as you board the plane, sometimes they are shy or quiet, try doing this for a week or two.

This is another refreshing post from you, even if a little bit through your pink, or shall I write positive thinking glasses.

In german we say "the way you shout into the forest it comes back to you". This is not only with TG and if I personally have nice flights almost all the time it is probably also because I am friendly with the FA.

You must be a nice guy BKKROP, would love to know you personally.

And yes, TG is looking well after their ROP G already, especially on the ground. I see that all the time being myself LH SEN and my partner ROP G. Very easy to get one or two personal phone numbers to contact your favourite agent directly.

After a bit of a patchy start, my experiences are pretty consistent now.

1. Empty seat next to me
2. First served for drinks & meals orders
3. Access to the 2 first class lounges at BKK

What I'd really like as a benefit is the buggy ride at BKK.

Agree with most of what has been said here.

Being polite and saying hello is common courtesy... not something we should be doing to curry favour or advance a personal agenda. Personally, I always find I get better service with some friendly banter to the crew.

On numerous occasions the seat next to me has been blocked (either officially in the system or by the crew putting a "reserved" sticker on it so other pax don't decide to relocate during flight). Once, the CSM moved a passenger from the seat next to me to another seat. On quite a few occasions I've also received a "greeting line" of greetings - first the CSM, then the bus/first class cabin attendants coming to introduce and welcome me on board. WOW... really makes you feel good!

Treatment in BKK is consistently impecable. Yes, a buggy pick-up (when not otherwise entitled to it) would be nice, but after a long flight I actually quite like stretching my legs with a nice, brisk walk. OK, the nice brisk walk can sometimes seem a tad long if arriving at E10, but good to get the blood pumping!

On top of all that, the person I deal with in my local TG office is a rockstar - friendly, personal, attentive service.

As the saying says, "it's nice to be important, but it's important to be nice". TG*P is definitely about recognition and status, and that's good for the ego. It's also about the airline keeping key customers happy. So everyone wins!

Friends, once again I have edited some posts and removed others. I have also removed posts which consist solely of responses to other removed posts. Personal attacks (including sarcastic, unhelpful posts about another person or his/her posts) are contrary to the FT Rules and will not be tolerated. This is not the first time I've had to take such action in this thread recently. Please!! Let's keep the posts substantive and in the FT spirit.

For me it's been really hit and miss. Either very good recognition and close to VIP treatment, or almost no recognition at all.
All in all I would split the odds at 50/50 between the two experiences.
I was surprised by the treatment I got at HAN , where someone greeted me at check in, took me through immigration and security like a VIP, took me to the lounge and even came to collect me from the lounge when boarding started.
For me the greatest perk of Plat is the first class access no matter what class of travel. The F class staff know me quite well now and give me an outstanding service each and every time.

you should get to know one or two operators who will look after you.

or to walk with you from checkin to the plane, just in case there is a problem, get a life they would say.

How can you get to know one or two operators when it is a random assignment system for routing the calls?

What possible problem could you have when walking to the plane from check-in?

I live in Bangkok and I travel across the whole region, probably covering 6-8 different cities in a typical month and it sounds from your post, BKKROP, that you probably travel a couple of routes on a regular basis, hence getting to know the CSM and staff better than I would.

Interesting point that has been made in some replies about keeping the adjacent seat free. I will ask for this next time I fly.....I do not see this mentioned in the benefits so it is obviously an unwritten benefit.

From what I have read in the replies to my post it seems that, as with so many aspects of flying Thai, the benefits of Platinum are applied/offered on very much a "hit and miss" basis. However, I do agree with the overall sentiment that Thai does excel on the ground.

Any recent updated experiences people care to share with their Platinum status? Any visual changes outside of the kingdom, such as flying out of LAX or FRA?

I almost feel that some places wouldn't understand that *P is higher than *G

Also just got off the phone with Thai Airways regarding my potential for *P and was told that I must ONLY fly in Business or First on Thai, even 1 single flight in Economy I would be disqualified..... REALLY?!

Also just got off the phone with Thai Airways regarding my potential for *P and was told that I must ONLY fly in Business or First on Thai, even 1 single flight in Economy I would be disqualified..... REALLY?!

Yep, that's the same line I was told a few years ago when they first introduced the level. I'm not sure if that's really 100% the case, or if the agents are just misinterpreting the rules, or if it's a language issue. But I don't think I'd risk taking a chance shooting for Platinum only to have it denied because I once flew economy and accidentally credited the miles to ROP. Or even worse, if they were to detect I was ROP Platinum even though I credited to another FFP and disqualified me as a result. Anyways, I decided not to go for Platinum for other reasons, namely that they couldn't guarantee that they wouldn't change the rules as they've already done once. Until they get their act together and clearly publish the rules in their handbook, and don't try to be so secretive about the exact details of their program, there's no chance they'll be getting me to shoot for Platinum (and in the process fly TG a lot more than I would otherwise).

What's really stupid about this supposed rule is that there's the potential that C could be sold out, in which case they're forcing their members to not fly TG. What a concept! Create a FFP level that actually discourages you from flying their airline. Whoever is designing their Platinum level clearly has some issues with using their brain.

Any recent updated experiences people care to share with their Platinum status? Any visual changes outside of the kingdom, such as flying out of LAX or FRA?

I almost feel that some places wouldn't understand that *P is higher than *G

Also just got off the phone with Thai Airways regarding my potential for *P and was told that I must ONLY fly in Business or First on Thai, even 1 single flight in Economy I would be disqualified..... REALLY?!

No, it does not disqualify you. But miles from economy flights cannot use to qualify the Platinum status.

No, it does not disqualify you. But miles from economy flights cannot use to qualify the Platinum status.

According to TG's website, it does disqualify you:
http://www.thaiairways.com/frequent-flyer/en/platinum_Status.htm
Platinum status is for very frequent flying members who travel with THAI exclusively in Royal First Class and Royal Silk Class.

The word, "exclusively" means you cannot fly economy. That may not be their intention, but that they way I and I think most people would interpret the English words they've published. As I've said many times, TG needs to get their act together and VERY CLEARLY state what exactly their Platinum level is. Even TG staff are pretty much in the dark as to the exact details.

Frankly speaking, the only perk of being TG Platinum is access to the F lounge.
I used to really like this lounge and its services , but recently service has gone downhill at the F lounge and it seems to be getting very busy all the time, so the perk is no longer worth the effort , IMHO.
As for Plat recognition onboard, it is TG personified " consistently inconsistent " .

Well, it's got to be much better than the C class ROP lounges. Those are packed late night. I cannot imagine the F lounge being so packed that you cannot find a seat. Or is it really that bad? Compared to the alternative, I would think it would be a nice quiet oasis. But for those used to an almost empty F lounge, I could see one being disappointed in it becoming busier.

If one is flying Y, then the obvious benefit would be fast track immigration on the outbound. Of course that feature is completely defeated by the fact that according to their website Platinum is for those who fly EXCLUSIVELY in C/F, meaning you get your one shot at being Platinum, and then are disqualified for the second round due to flying Y.

I'm also thinking the additional upgrades (PUPs) would be nice, with the ability to earn maybe one additional upgrade per year. Although given the routes I fly don't have F, I'd be forced to use them for a Y to C upgrade, in which case again I'd be disqualified from being Platinum the next time around. But I suppose I could always credit those flights to another program. Or maybe that doesn't fall under the "exclusive" rule, being the end result is I'm flying C? Again, TG, you must provide us details. Details, details, details!!!! That's what you haven't given us, but you need to provide us!

For someone who flies mostly in F, or C when F isn't available, I can see Platinum not giving you very much, and in that case it wouldn't be worth it for many. Although it would just come naturally, without any additional effort, for those passengers, provided they fly enough. I find it so ironic, that in the end, it doesn't provide much additional benefit to those it targets, and offers a lot of benefits to those it's not targeting, but who it then tries specifically to disqualify.

I'd really love to be able to get Platinum, provided TG would simply get off their feet and publicize the details, and scrap that "exclusive" stupidity. Ever since they announced Platinum, they've been losing a good percent of my business that I would have given them, but I chose other airlines instead, simply because they refuse publicize those details. The information provided here by other Platinum members is great and well appreciated, but I really need something to hang my hat on when it comes to spending that much money and crediting that high of a percent of my flying towards ROP.

Sorry for sounding like a broken record, harping on this issue, but for me it's been the number one issue with TG for the past few years. I want to give them my business, but they don't want my business. I wish someone at TG would read this thread and realize that.

Well, it's got to be much better than the C class ROP lounges. Those are packed late night. I cannot imagine the F lounge being so packed that you cannot find a seat. Or is it really that bad? Compared to the alternative, I would think it would be a nice quiet oasis. But for those used to an almost empty F lounge, I could see one being disappointed in it becoming busier.

If one is flying Y, then the obvious benefit would be fast track immigration on the outbound. Of course that feature is completely defeated by the fact that according to their website Platinum is for those who fly EXCLUSIVELY in C/F, meaning you get your one shot at being Platinum, and then are disqualified for the second round due to flying Y.

I'm also thinking the additional upgrades (PUPs) would be nice, with the ability to earn maybe one additional upgrade per year. Although given the routes I fly don't have F, I'd be forced to use them for a Y to C upgrade, in which case again I'd be disqualified from being Platinum the next time around. But I suppose I could always credit those flights to another program. Or maybe that doesn't fall under the "exclusive" rule, being the end result is I'm flying C? Again, TG, you must provide us details. Details, details, details!!!! That's what you haven't given us, but you need to provide us!

For someone who flies mostly in F, or C when F isn't available, I can see Platinum not giving you very much, and in that case it wouldn't be worth it for many. Although it would just come naturally, without any additional effort, for those passengers, provided they fly enough. I find it so ironic, that in the end, it doesn't provide much additional benefit to those it targets, and offers a lot of benefits to those it's not targeting, but who it then tries specifically to disqualify.

I'd really love to be able to get Platinum, provided TG would simply get off their feet and publicize the details, and scrap that "exclusive" stupidity. Ever since they announced Platinum, they've been losing a good percent of my business that I would have given them, but I chose other airlines instead, simply because they refuse publicize those details. The information provided here by other Platinum members is great and well appreciated, but I really need something to hang my hat on when it comes to spending that much money and crediting that high of a percent of my flying towards ROP.

Sorry for sounding like a broken record, harping on this issue, but for me it's been the number one issue with TG for the past few years. I want to give them my business, but they don't want my business. I wish someone at TG would read this thread and realize that.

Sorry but I think we both agree that TG management is shite.

I'd just add this recent experience. On a flight from BKK-DXB. Boarded. Sat, welcome drinks etc. No special treatment, but I was cool with that. No one sat next to me.

Then I asked if my special meal was on board. It hadn't been loaded. A boarding agent came to my seat from the gate and asked me if I'd ordered. I'd actually screengrabbed the confirmation, don't know why, but showed him.

He said 'we'll do our best'. All passengers on board. Heard the crew in the forward galley mentioned my meal.

About ten minutes later a crew member comes to me with a meal in her hand and shows me. They'd requested one last minute and had waited for it to be loaded.

Was quite impressed (and a bit embarrassed). When it was served later on the crew joked that it must taste 'very fresh'.

I flew the other day from BKK to SYD in F. My seat was 1A and there was a TG*P seating in 1K (well - at least he had Plat bagged tag affixed to his backpack:p). I didn't see any differences in service - F/A treated me as good as him.

Saying this - during my flying days I was already Pan Am Worldpass Platinum(*), Delta Platinum Medallion(*), KLM Flying Dutchman Royal Wing, QF Platinum - and so far the only airline I met, that offers constantly good recognition is CX. Saying that I still like TG - if you have any doubts fly with US Airways (the airline I currently have top tier with) and you will understand why TG is a great airline;)

(*) I don't even remember names of the top tiers in these programs - whatever the names were, I was the top tier member:D

A_Lee

I thoroughly agree with your comments and I am in the same situation. I spent quite a lot of money when Platinum was first announced and reckoned I had qualified but then I was ruled out for not being Gold for long enough. Well they fooled me once but they will not do so again.

I just don't get this "exclusively in First and Business" thing. They really can't be that dumb can they?

A_Lee

I thoroughly agree with your comments and I am in the same situation. I spent quite a lot of money when Platinum was first announced and reckoned I had qualified but then I was ruled out for not being Gold for long enough. Well they fooled me once but they will not do so again.

I just don't get this "exclusively in First and Business" thing. They really can't be that dumb can they?


I never found it that complicated once I called and asked, as I recall:

1. Two years of Gold required.
2. Miles only counted in Business and First
3. I think it's 80k miles, but I really can't remember the threshold.

I find it very worth it. Sent from TG First lounge.

I never found it that complicated once I called and asked, as I recall:

1. Two years of Gold required.
2. Miles only counted in Business and First
3. I think it's 80k miles, but I really can't remember the threshold.

I find it very worth it. Sent from TG First lounge.

Yes, the basic concept of Platinum isn't complicated. But the devil is in the details, and that's where they've totally dropped the ball. Anyone can call and get that information you quoted, but what about the exclusive C and F business? Sound too silly to be true, but when you call and ask them, they confirm that it is true. I still have my doubts however, because I have no confidence that their English is sufficient for them to understand the exact nuance of the word "exclusive" and how it applies in this case.

The other question is domestic flights. Originally they didn't count, but now after they changed the qualifications, do they count or not?

What about upgrades? If I upgrade via a GUP, does it count towards Platinum? What about a paid upgrade?

Anyways, the key is I'm not going to try for Platinum until they clearly delineate it in their handbook as an honest to goodness level, with the rules spelled out, as they do with the other levels. Until now, they're trying keep it as some secret, exclusive level, and if I just take their word for it I'm likely going to get screwed over when they come back and tell me that what I thought were the rules weren't.

Platinum would definitely be worth it to me, if it is what I think it is, and if I can qualify/requalify even though I fly in Y. But it seems to me they're not interested in attracting someone like me, or at least not interested enough to spend a few hours to simply publish the details of their program.

A_Lee

I thoroughly agree with your comments and I am in the same situation. I spent quite a lot of money when Platinum was first announced and reckoned I had qualified but then I was ruled out for not being Gold for long enough. Well they fooled me once but they will not do so again.

I just don't get this "exclusively in First and Business" thing. They really can't be that dumb can they?

Yep, and now they don't say a word about if you need to have been Gold for some certain length of time or not. Just another example of them not giving the public enough details of Platinum.

Yep, and now they don't say a word about if you need to have been Gold for some certain length of time or not. Just another example of them not giving the public enough details of Platinum.


Gold for 2 cycles I believe.

There's something to be said for mystique. I remember BA Prem being surrounded by the same 'mist of confusion'...

Yes, the basic concept of Platinum isn't complicated. But the devil is in the details, and that's where they've totally dropped the ball. Anyone can call and get that information you quoted, but what about the exclusive C and F business? Sound too silly to be true, but when you call and ask them, they confirm that it is true. I still have my doubts however, because I have no confidence that their English is sufficient for them to understand the exact nuance of the word "exclusive" and how it applies in this case.

The other question is domestic flights. Originally they didn't count, but now after they changed the qualifications, do they count or not?

What about upgrades? If I upgrade via a GUP, does it count towards Platinum? What about a paid upgrade?

Anyways, the key is I'm not going to try for Platinum until they clearly delineate it in their handbook as an honest to goodness level, with the rules spelled out, as they do with the other levels. Until now, they're trying keep it as some secret, exclusive level, and if I just take their word for it I'm likely going to get screwed over when they come back and tell me that what I thought were the rules weren't.

Platinum would definitely be worth it to me, if it is what I think it is, and if I can qualify/requalify even though I fly in Y. But it seems to me they're not interested in attracting someone like me, or at least not interested enough to spend a few hours to simply publish the details of their program.


The exclusive F and C means miles earnt in F and C only count towards Platinum.

Upgrades don't grant you miles in the cabin flown - so Y to C wouldn't count. C to F would consider the C miles. This is standard right - for any mileage accrual?

I don't know about domestic C. I wouldn't fly domestic C on Thai and can't imagine who would - but YMMV... :)

The exclusive F and C means miles earnt in F and C only count towards Platinum.

I don't care how many times you or anyone else says that. The TG website says otherwise, and the TG agents, when asked about that wording confirm it to be correct, ie. that you will lose your Platinum status if you fly even one TG flight in Y. Yeah, I might be fine, but I'm simply not going to risk it until they state otherwise in black and white.

A few days back I was in the TG F lounge and logged into my ROP account from of the Macs there.
The person before me had forgotten to delete its login details, so I was naughty an decided to check his credentials.Well the guy ( Thai) was Platinum, but had clocked less than 40,000 miles in 2012/2013 , and the detailed report also showed a lot of flights in Y class.
Looks like some Thais are more equal than us mere mortal farangs.

I don't care how many times you or anyone else says that. The TG website says otherwise, and the TG agents, when asked about that wording confirm it to be correct, ie. that you will lose your Platinum status if you fly even one TG flight in Y. Yeah, I might be fine, but I'm simply not going to risk it until they state otherwise in black and white.


Good for you, stick by your principles.

I can only tell you my experience and that is I flew Y and C and F and qualified.

A few days back I was in the TG F lounge and logged into my ROP account from of the Macs there.
The person before me had forgotten to delete its login details, so I was naughty an decided to check his credentials.Well the guy ( Thai) was Platinum, but had clocked less than 40,000 miles in 2012/2013 , and the detailed report also showed a lot of flights in Y class.
Looks like some Thais are more equal than us mere mortal farangs.

My boss in the UK was a BA Prem but flew Virgin. He was gifted the card by BA for commercial reasons (the company rank and file flew BA)...

So maybe this Thai person was the same or similar.

Might not be a flier, but might hold a corporate travel budget. So commercially important so the airline rewards the corporate custom. Quite normal.

I do sincerely think that this 'hard done by' mentality that creeps in to this forum of 'them thais and us farangs' is a little over played at times. Just my 2 cents.

just to confirm, I did flew Y, but mostly J...... I qualified for P, but of course, only my J miles counted towards qualification, I am not farang nor Thai....

just to confirm, I did flew Y, but mostly J...... I qualified for P, but of course, only my J miles counted towards qualification, I am not farang nor Thai....

My experience is the same; although I am a farang.

I never found it that complicated once I called and asked, as I recall:

1. Two years of Gold required.
2. Miles only counted in Business and First
3. I think it's 80k miles, but I really can't remember the threshold.

I find it very worth it. Sent from TG First lounge.


Well, that maybe true when you first called but it certainly was not when I did.
You are efeectively saying I am dumb which I do object to.

In the run up to Platinum and it certainly continues now which is A_Lee's point we really do not know what the rules are from one month to the next.

I don't know about domestic C. I wouldn't fly domestic C on Thai and can't imagine who would - but YMMV... :)

Thousands do so every day!!

So how would you fly Bangkok - Khon Kaen then? In Y? On some crappy budget airline? I may be wrong and I don't have time to check but I don't think there is an alternative. Happy VIP bus travel for you for 6 hours.

Well, that maybe true when you first called but it certainly was not when I did.
You are efeectively saying I am dumb which I do object to.

In the run up to Platinum and it certainly continues now which is A_Lee's point we really do not know what the rules are from one month to the next.

I do apologise for how you feel, but I can most certainly assure you that I am not, have not and would not call you dumb.

Thousands do so every day!!

So how would you fly Bangkok - Khon Kaen then? In Y? On some crappy budget airline? I may be wrong and I don't have time to check but I don't think there is an alternative. Happy VIP bus travel for you for 6 hours.


Not sure I understand you, but I would fly domestic in Thailand in economy, I would not fly business class as I don't see the point (unless it was a leg of an international flight for work). No bus required.

Unless I'm missing a trick and it's all business class to Khon Kaen.

I do sincerely think that this 'hard done by' mentality that creeps in to this forum of 'them thais and us farangs' is a little over played at times. Just my 2 cents.

I salute your optimism and your healthy confidence - it will for sure contribute to your wellbeing.

Things are by far worse, there are well connected Thais and normal Thais. The latter are even below the foreigners (and many of them avoid flying TG). Platinum is by invitation only. Try to be a normal Thai flying over 50 000 miles per year for several years - you may well never get the Platinum. I have examples!

I salute your optimism and your healthy confidence - it will for sure contribute to your wellbeing.

Things are by far worse, there are well connected Thais and normal Thais. The latter are even below the foreigners (and many of them avoid flying TG). Platinum is by invitation only. Try to be a normal Thai flying over 50 000 miles per year for several years - you may well never get the Platinum. I have examples!

I salute your optimism and your healthy confidence - it will for sure contribute to your wellbeing.

Things are by far worse, there are well connected Thais and normal Thais. The latter are even below the foreigners (and many of them avoid flying TG). Platinum is by invitation only. Try to be a normal Thai flying over 50 000 miles per year for several years - you may well never get the Platinum. I have examples!


It's 80'000 miles, not 50'000:

"Qualifying for Platinum Status

While elite level Royal Orchid Plus Platinum status is by invitation, their thresholds have been established whereby current Platinum members are evaluated to maintain elite level status, and all members are evaluated to qualify for Platinum status.

To attain or retain Platinum status, 80,000 miles are required that include class of service bonus miles, with travel on THAI in Royal First Class or Royal Silk Class, within each evaluation period, for 2 consecutive periods. Evaluations are system automated with each period being 12 consecutive months on a rolling basis."

) was Platinum, but had clocked less than 40,000 miles in 2012/2013 , and the detailed report also showed a lot of flights in Y class.


Why should that disqualify him from being Platinum ?

A few days back I was in the TG F lounge and logged into my ROP account from of the Macs there.
The person before me had forgotten to delete its login details, so I was naughty an decided to check his credentials.Well the guy ( Thai) was Platinum, but had clocked less than 40,000 miles in 2012/2013 , and the detailed report also showed a lot of flights in Y class.
Looks like some Thais are more equal than us mere mortal farangs.

ROP Platinum status was introduced in 2012, so his qualified miles should be the miles collected in 2011 backward.

ROP Platinum status was introduced in 2012, so his qualified miles should be the miles collected in 2011 backward.

My memory of the Platinum timeline was that it was first announced in about August of 2010, and some were informed they would qualify, but then it was revoked. Then in May of 2011 it was launched, but with some initial qualification for people who had flown x miles, etc. in the previous two years. After the initial batch of Platinum members in May, 2011, there was no guidelines as to new members, so the program was in limbo except for those premier members. Then I think it was sometime in 2012 when they announced rules for new members to qualify, and for existing members to requalify. Still though, it's supposedly "by invitation only", so nothing is guaranteed.

Still the question is why did evidently someone with only 40K miles qualify? I guess though that "by invitation only" can be used to justify allowing some members in who wouldn't qualify otherwise, or disallowing some who should be qualified. And that again is the problem with Platinum. There's absolutely no guarantee that someone who spends tens of thousands of dollars, thinking they will qualify, will be accepted. It's complete nonsense! Please TG, get your act together with Platinum.

Your unknown Thai-friend could have stopped using Thai alltogether in 2012 and 2013 and would still be Platinum since his coronation in probably 2011 which brings him into 2013 as it expires after 2years . According to the new rules he would loose his status some time this year as for example I shall also loose it in July due to unsufficient mileage .

I don`t know what is unclear about the qualification : earn 80000 miles / year for 2 consecutive ( rolling ) years buying tickets for C and F and there we are .

I have yesterday the first time ever had any added value from the status by stealing all dried bananas from their lounge . In the C - lounge they do not offer them .

Somebody else said this here a couple of weeks ago : instead of dearly being adored for their generosity with awards Thai earns nothing but complaints on Flyertalk . The last two legs I have flown with them were absolutely great , I could still jump with joy . Having said so , If I find a cheaper one with the same service I am gone in a wee second . I don`t make a philosophy out of this . How is Iran Air ?

Just checked in here in Manila. Was given a personal escort from counter to lounge, fast tracked through security (diplomat lane).

Impressed.

Not impressed with TG lounge, so walked back out and now in refreshed SQ lounge.

Also impressed.

Wondering if MNL is the only place where you've received an escort, or if you've gotten one elsewhere? Totally agree about the MNL TG lounge. I'd rather get a drink or whatever in the lounge and then leave ASAP to sit in the open public seating rather than remain in the lounge when it gets crowded. I never tried the SQ lounge, but will give it a shot next time I pass through there.

Wondering if MNL is the only place where you've received an escort, or if you've gotten one elsewhere? Totally agree about the MNL TG lounge. I'd rather get a drink or whatever in the lounge and then leave ASAP to sit in the open public seating rather than remain in the lounge when it gets crowded. I never tried the SQ lounge, but will give it a shot next time I pass through there.

I've had escorts as a plat in First, but can't remember any others. I don't normally like them too much - makes me uncomfortable, but was a big help at this airport where the passport queue etc. can be loooooooooong.

The 'refreshed' SQ lounge here is quite pleasant. A little soulless, but very comfortable, you should def try it.

Pleased.

I've had escorts as a plat in First, but can't remember any others. I don't normally like them too much - makes me uncomfortable, but was a big help at this airport where the passport queue etc. can be loooooooooong.

Same here...I normally don't care for escorts at airports that are easy to navigate and without very long queues. MNL would be a prime example though of where it would be an advantage. Not only are the queues long, they're also numerous. Though obviously Platinum won't help you any with the first queue, waiting to get into the terminal itself.