KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 1): Hong Kong-based private airport lounge operator Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has entered Thailand with the opening of two lounges at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, expanding its footprint in one of Southeast Asia’s busiest travel markets.

The Malaysian-founded company, led by chief executive officer Song Hoi-See, opened a Plaza Premium Lounge and a Plaza Premium First facility for international departing and transit passengers.

Located on the third floor of Concourse G near Gate G1, Plaza Premium First spans 212 sq m and can accommodate up to 51 guests. The larger Plaza Premium Lounge covers 578 sq m and has capacity for 98 people.

Plaza Premium First, the group’s premium offering, offers concierge services, a tailored menu and private zones for rest and meetings. Meanwhile, Plaza Premium Lounge includes regional dishes and live cooking stations, alongside areas designed for travellers, families and business passengers.

“The launch of Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok reflects our global direction of expanding award-winning airport hospitality into key international gateways,” Song said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Bangkok represents a critical hub in Southeast Asia — defined by warmth, flavour and an unmistakable sense of place,” he added.

PPG, which has been named Skytrax’s World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge for nine consecutive years, said the Bangkok opening marks another step in its Southeast Asian expansion.

The company launched Plaza Premium First in Hong Kong in 2018 and has since expanded the concept to Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Macau, Vancouver, Phnom Penh, Rome and Dallas-Fort Worth.

PPG operates 14 brands across 600 airports in 150 countries, serving about 24 million passengers annually. Its portfolio includes Aerotel, Refreshhh by Aerotel, ALLWAYS, Smart Traveller and One Travel Experience Ecosystem (OneTECO). The group employs more than 6,000 people globally.