Many thanks @SAGuy A very welcome addition to the BKK direct routes from the UK.

Northerners do like a bargain! 

For Brits living 'up norf', this could be a useful travel option for the LOS high season. I have never flown on Norse, but as a low cost carrier (LCC), it could be a great budget option. https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2025/07/03/norse-atlantic-airways-launches-direct-flights-from-manchester-to-bangkok/ Norse Atlantic Airways to launch direct flights from Manchester to Bangkok 3 Jul 2025 by Alice Henderson   Norse Atlantic Airways is launching flights from Manchester Airport to Bangkok, which will make Manchester the only UK city outside of London to fly to the Thai capital. Tickets are already on sale, though the service doesn’t begin until 26 November this year, running until March 2026. Flights will be operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft, departing Manchester at 2330 every Wednesday, with arrival into Bangkok scheduled for 1800 the following day. Meanwhile, return flights leave Bangkok on Thursdays at 2000, landing in the UK at 0215 on Friday. Manchester Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe, said: “Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world. Bangkok is one of the most exciting destinations on the planet – and is rightly one of the most popular. “Many people from the region travel there every year but until now they have had to book connecting flights. This new route will make a huge difference by meaning people can get there directly from the UK’s global gateway in the North. “It will also be a great opportunity for the region to welcome people coming here from Thailand to experience our vibrant cities, enjoy our spectacular scenery, study in our elite universities and even watch our football clubs – which are almost as popular in Thailand as they are here.” Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, added: “We don’t just follow demand – we unlock it. This route has been waiting to happen, and we’re proud to be the ones making it a reality. “Manchester is a key gateway to the North of England, and Bangkok is a magnet for adventure, business, and culture. Connecting the two cities is a natural next step for Norse as we continue to disrupt and expand in the long-haul space.”

You do have a choice you know. No one is forcing you to use the forum. 

I stayed at both the Soi 11 and then Soi 8 locations for around 3-4 nights each recently. I would say you get good value for money, and if I had to choose I would go for the Soi 11 location despite the street noise simply because I found the Soi 8 location too far down the way (and I couldn't get the tuk tuk to collect me using Line!). The gym at each location was pretty basic, but good enough for a decent workout. That said, it's unlikely that I would book either of these again as I think there are better options for the same or marginally higher prices that make up for either the street noise (Soi 11) or distance to the action (Soi 8). For Soi 11 I would go for the Mercure every time, especially as they always put me at the back of the building where its quiet. But as @Denbosch1971 points out in the review above, for a long stay you get a big room for a reasonable price, but don't expect 5 star quality.