Flying a short domestic or ASEAN hop — should you choose Thai Smile (full service) or a low-cost carrier? Thai Smile fares start at ~$27 and already include 20 kg checked baggage plus a free snack. That puts it closer to the low-cost total than you might expect — sometimes even cheaper — while delivering noticeably better service. Here is how to decide which is right for your trip.
Anyone who flies within Thailand regularly will be familiar with the choice between Thai Smile, AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion. All of them fly to the same destinations — so which should you pick? The honest answer depends on how much baggage you carry, which Bangkok airport is more convenient for you, and how much you value the in-flight experience.
What many travellers overlook is that Thai Smile fares from ~$27 (now operating under the Thai Airways TG code) already include everything — baggage, seat selection, and a snack. Once you build up a low-cost basket to the same standard, the price gap often disappears.
Real Flight Experience — BKK to Chiang Mai
We took the 7 a.m. departure from Suvarnabhumi on an A320-200. The 31-inch seat pitch felt genuinely comfortable — compare that with AirAsia's 28–29 inches and the difference is immediately noticeable, especially if you are taller than average.
Cabin crew served a small sandwich with juice or coffee at no extra charge. It is a snack, not a hot meal, but perfectly adequate for a 70-minute flight — and on a low-cost carrier you would pay ~$2-$4 for even a bottle of water.
Flying from Suvarnabhumi is also a real advantage if you are based on the east side of Bangkok — direct Airport Rail Link from the city centre, no need to cross town to Don Mueang.
Head-to-Head with AirAsia — What Does It Actually Cost?
Take the BKK–Chiang Mai route with one 20 kg checked bag:
- Thai Smile / TG: ~$27 (all-inclusive)
- AirAsia: ~$23 base + ~$10 for 20 kg baggage + ~$3 seat selection = ~$35
- Nok Air: ~$24 base + ~$7 baggage fee (Nok includes only 15 kg free) = ~$31
With checked baggage included, Thai Smile can actually be cheaper than the low-cost options — and you still get a wider seat, a free snack, and ROP miles on top of that.
When Does a Low-Cost Carrier Win?
If you are travelling light — no checked bag, skipping in-flight food, short flight — a low-cost carrier makes perfect sense. A ~$23-$26 fare with nothing added is genuinely hard to beat.
Likewise, if you live in northern Bangkok (near Don Mueang, Rangsit, or Nonthaburi), flying AirAsia or Nok from Don Mueang saves you the taxi fare across town to Suvarnabhumi — that alone can tip the scales.
ASEAN Routes — Thai Smile Has a Clear Edge
On routes like BKK–Phnom Penh, BKK–Yangon, and BKK–Vientiane, Thai Smile and Thai Airways hold a significant advantage. Flights run 60–90 minutes, meaning you will actually appreciate the free snack, the wider seat, and the smoother boarding process. More importantly, if a flight is delayed, a full-service carrier handles disruptions far more proactively than a low-cost airline — rebooking, meal vouchers, and clear communication are standard practice.
For business travellers or anyone who needs reliability, full service on these short international hops is money well spent.
Bottom Line — Thai Smile or Low Cost?
If you are checking a bag and flying from Suvarnabhumi — Thai Smile wins. The all-in price is often lower than the low-cost total, the seat is wider, and the service is genuinely better.
If you are travelling carry-on only and Don Mueang is closer — AirAsia or Nok Air makes more sense. A ~$23 fare with no extras is unbeatable for a simple one-bag trip.
For ASEAN routes of 60–90 minutes — Thai Smile / TG is the clear choice: free food, better handling of delays, and more legroom for a price that is rarely much higher.
Routes & Destinations
Thai Smile (WE) — now merged into Thai Airways under the TG code since 2024 — operates from Bangkok (BKK Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and short ASEAN routes including Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Yangon, and Penang.
The fleet is entirely A320-200 aircraft, configured as 168 all-economy seats or 12 Premium Class + 162 Economy on routes where Premium is available.
Approximate Fares
| Route / Class | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| BKK – Chiang Mai (Thai Smile) | 70 min | From ~$27 |
| BKK – Phuket (Thai Smile) | 90 min | From ~$31 |
| BKK – Krabi (Thai Smile) | 85 min | From ~$30 |
| BKK – Phnom Penh (Thai Smile) | 70 min | From ~$69 |
| BKK – Yangon (Thai Smile) | 90 min | From ~$91 |
| AirAsia BKK – Chiang Mai | Price comparison | From ~$23 |
* Approximate prices — subject to change by season and promotions.
Cabin Class Comparison
| Feature | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Free checked baggage | 20 kg ✓ | 40 kg |
| Free carry-on | 7 kg | 10 kg |
| Meals / drinks | Snack + drink (free) | Hot meal + beverages |
| Seat selection | Free | Free + Priority |
| ROP miles accrual | Yes | Yes + Bonus |
| Lounge access | No | Royal Silk Lounge |
Pros & Cons
- Fares from ~$27 inclusive of 20 kg checked baggage and a free snack
- Departs from Suvarnabhumi — more convenient than Don Mueang for many passengers
- Warm, attentive Thai-style cabin crew
- 31-inch seat pitch — noticeably more legroom than low-cost competitors
- Earn Royal Orchid Plus miles on every flight
- Easier changes and refunds compared with low-cost carriers
- Base fare can be ~$6-$14 higher than low-cost options on certain dates
- Fewer daily frequencies than AirAsia or Nok Air
- Merger with Thai Airways means schedules may still be evolving
- Only a light snack on short hops — no hot meal unlike long-haul Thai Airways flights
Booking Tips
- Book 1–2 months in advance at thaiairways.com or Trip.com — the ~$27 base fare most often appears on mid-week departures.
- Sign up for Royal Orchid Plus (free) to accumulate miles toward a free award ticket — just 2–3 domestic round trips can get you there.
- Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday for the cheapest fares; avoid Friday evenings and Sunday evenings when demand peaks.
- Consider Premium Class when available — upgrading costs roughly ~$43-$71 extra and adds a forward seat, hot meal, and lounge access, which is excellent value on ASEAN routes.
- Always compare against AirAsia/Nok Air first — once you add 20 kg baggage fees, the total cost is often similar, but full service delivers a better experience.