Transit in Bangkok

I was met at the exit from the gate by a TG staff who asked if I wanted to be escorted to immigration or to the transfer desk or to the lounge. No buggy, which surprised me. The gate wasn't the most distant one from the lounge or transfer desk but also not that close. Perhaps they had assumed I would want to go to immigration (which was closer)?

I had some work to do and people to meet, and I already had the boarding pass for the onward flight, so I made my way to the lounge for this long transit. Along the way 2 of the 4 moving walkways were broken. At security the WTMD was set with high sensitivity, triggering for me when I normally don't. That it happened while I was being escorted was embarrassing, as if I didn't know better Oh well, I play the odds on what to remove and the very rare times it doesn't work are more than offset by the many more times that it does work.

Once in the lounge I was going to get the grand tour when I politely interrupted - I've been here often enough that unless there is something new I can make my own way around. At this time I was the only passenger in the lounge. First up a shower to freshen up. Then some work and a few glasses of bubbles while I waited for my first guest. I was absorbed in what I was doing and got startled when he arrived - lounge reception had admitted him on his word without me having pre-organised it. ^ (Strictly the Star Alliance rules require guests to enter at the same time as the F passenger.) The lounge being completely devoid of passengers (other than me) may have had something to do with it.

I had a bite to eat and then guest #1 left. I went back to work, and some more drinks, while waiting for the second meeting. This time she was flying in first and so no need to enter as my guest. We caught up for a while, over some more drinks, before I suddenly realised the time. Only 15 minutes until departure!

With no monitors in the lounge and my early arrival before gates were assigned I had no idea if my flight was using a close gate or a far one. I was somewhat sure I hadn't missed one of the lounge staff calling for me to go - surely they would have interrupted us if I was really late?