I've stayed in Shangri La Hotels in the Far East though not the one in Bangkok and they are usually pretty luxurious. I would only eat in the Hotels if I didn't have a choice, nothing wrong with the food but usually much more pricey than outside the hotels. In Bangkok you can eat as cheaply or expensively as you want , there is a marvellous selection of restaurants throughout the city. It's over two years though since I was last there so I'm not up to date with current prices. Have you looked at the Bangkok pages in the Discussion forums, I'm sure there is loads of info about eating out?

Apart from 8hrs stuck on the airport overnight in Phuket I haven't been there so can't be of any help. Sorry.

Judith