By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus delivered a major devaluation on October 1, 2019, switching from round-trip to one-way award pricing in a way that raised many round-trip redemptions sharply, with some premium routes losing significant value. The zone-based charts have been relatively stable since, but the 2019 cut removed much of what made the program attractive for premium travel.
The October 2019 devaluation
Royal Orchid Plus was long valued for reasonable Star Alliance pricing, but on October 1, 2019 Thai overhauled the chart. It moved to one-way award pricing, with round trips costing twice a one-way, and reset the numbers so many redemptions cost far more. A Perth to Bangkok business award that had been 75,000 miles round trip effectively became 130,000 for the return, and an Australia to Europe business award that was 170,000 miles round trip became 140,000 one-way, a serious loss of value for round trips.
A zone-based structure
Royal Orchid Plus uses three zone-based charts: a direct-flights chart for routes to and from Bangkok on Thai, a chart for Thai flights between Thailand and other destinations, and a beyond-Bangkok chart covering Thai and Star Alliance flights between international points. The structure is workable once you learn it, and the program still publishes a chart, which is increasingly rare. See finding award space.
Where it stands now
Since the 2019 cut, Royal Orchid Plus has been comparatively quiet, with no industry-shaking changes, so the chart you see is roughly the one you get. Value remains for Thai business class within Asia and to Europe when award space opens, and the program is reachable as a transfer partner including via Rove. Book when you find space and do not assume the relative calm will last. See the devaluation overview.
Frequently asked questions
Did Thai Royal Orchid Plus devalue?
Yes, significantly, on October 1, 2019. Thai switched to one-way award pricing with round trips costing double, and reset the numbers so many premium round-trip awards lost substantial value. It has been relatively stable since.
Does Thai Royal Orchid Plus have an award chart?
Yes. It uses three zone-based charts covering direct Thai flights to and from Bangkok, Thai flights within Thailand and beyond, and Thai plus Star Alliance flights between international points. Publishing a chart is increasingly uncommon.
Is Thai Royal Orchid Plus still worth it?
It retains value for Thai Airways business class within Asia and to Europe when award space is open. The 2019 devaluation removed much of its premium appeal, but the chart has been stable since, which aids planning.
How do you get Royal Orchid Plus miles?
Mainly by flying Thai and Star Alliance partners, and by transferring from partner programs including via Rove. Because the chart has held since 2019, you can plan redemptions with more confidence than in dynamic programs.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
