I have just read an article in "Business Traveller" and it mentioned Thai Smile fares were going to be approximately 20% less than Thai Airways.

I will be booking Thai Smile for the first time to travel return, April/June, UBP/BKK/UBP. Their fares are identical regardless of whether you book on the Thai Airways site or Thai Smile site.

I normally use Air Asia, but on this occasion we will departing and returning internationally at BKK, much more convenient.

Does anyone have any experience with Thai Smile being cheaper?

Just appears rather strange that they introduce a new LCC and the fares are the same as their partner which is full service.

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Thai smile is a joke , same planes as Air Asia but the fares are over priced....you can get a discount if you use the ticket agents for Thai Airways, it is more expensive to book on line with Thai Smail than a Thai ticket agent...DO NOT BOOK BUSINESS CLASS, you will pay 2,000baht more for what Airasia call a hot seat (but you will get a 30kg allowance)

Over all the only plus i had was flying into swampy for a flight to Europe otherwise just not worth it...as its the same set up as AA even for the price of the inflight menu for food drinks etc

Thai smile is a joke , same planes as Air Asia but the fares are over priced....you can get a discount if you use the ticket agents for Thai Airways, it is more expensive to book on line with Thai Smail than a Thai ticket agent...DO NOT BOOK BUSINESS CLASS, you will pay 2,000baht more for what Airasia call a hot seat (but you will get a 30kg allowance)

Over all the only plus i had was flying into swampy for a flight to Europe otherwise just not worth it...as its the same set up as AA even for the price of the inflight menu for food drinks etc

You are correct, it is a joke.

The only reason I want to use Thai Smile is for convenience connecting at BKK. I really don't want the hassle transferring from DMK to BKK and return.

I would prefer Air Asia, at least their prices are OK if you get a promotion fare.

Also, I notice you can only book economy on the Thai Smile site, there is no business class button that I can see. If you want business class you need to book through the Thai Air site, rather odd.

The joke continues.

Have just looked at the fares again.

Both sites are the same price. But, the return fare, UBP/BKK/UBP is THB 4,890. If you book two one ways, UBP/BKK is THB 2,100 and BKK/UBP is THB 2,150. Total THB 4,250, a difference of

THB 640.

These fares were on my selected dates, 22 April and 8 June. I am not going to look at every date it is too frustrating.

I will be surprised if they get any customers.