About this flight
This is a flight review of Thai Airways First Class from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand to Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
At Bangkok Airport, Thai Airways offers the exclusive Royal Orchid Spa for First and Business Class passengers. Before boarding, I enjoyed a relaxing time at this spa and the Thai Airways lounge.
I also indulged in a variety of delicious Thai cuisine with its distinctive flavors, both in the lounge and onboard.
Dishes included Tom Yum Goong, Khao Niew (sticky rice), Gai Yang (Thai grilled chicken), and Som Tum (papaya salad), among others.
Table of Contents
Lounge
Top
Royal Orchid Spa
This is the Royal Orchid Spa at Bangkok Airport, available exclusively to Thai Airways First and Business Class passengers.
- [Services Available]
- • Full-body oil massage (First Class)
- • Neck & shoulder or foot massage (Business Class)
- After the massage, light snacks such as cakes and dried fruits are available in the back area.
The spa’s doorknob is stylishly shaped like a human hand.
Seating Area
After using the spa, I entered Thai Airways' First Class Lounge. This is the seating area.
Champagne and Cola
Enjoying champagne and diet cola in the lounge.
This was taken while waiting for the food I ordered on the tablet.
Meal (1)
I received the food I had ordered.
- • Tom Yum Kung soup
- • Thai-style beef with sauce (possibly chili fish sauce)
- • (Yellow woven box) Steamed Thai sticky rice, Khao Niao
Meal (2)
Close-up of the Khao Niao basket, beef, and sauce.
Thai sticky rice, Khao Niao, is very famous and one of my favorites.
It has a fragrance that reminds me of Southeast Asia.
Meal (3)
- • Tom Yum Kung
- • Shrimp cocktail
- This is a jumbo shrimp cocktail.
Another Seating Area
This is another seating area.
In-Flight Seat
Top
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400
This flight was on the Boeing 747-400, known as the "Jumbo Jet."
Before the introduction of the Airbus A380, it was the mainstay for long-haul international routes.
First Class Seat
After boarding, I took my seat in First Class.
A lovely flower arrangement on the right adds a touch of elegance.
Welcome Drink
For the welcome drink, I was served Dom Pérignon Champagne along with a hot towel.
View from the Window
This is the view of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport from my seat.
Scenery Right After Takeoff
This was taken just after takeoff.
First Class Cabin
This is the First Class cabin. On the 747-400, the First Class section is located in the nose on the upper deck, giving the cabin this rounded appearance.
If you look closely at the window area of the neighboring seat, you can spot the RIMOWA amenity kit provided to First Class passengers.
Most of the other passengers have already reclined their seats into full-flat positions and are asleep.
In-Flight Meal
Top
Aperitif
This is the champagne served as an aperitif after takeoff.
Since this was a flight to Haneda, Japanese magazines were also available.
Champagne, Nuts, and Orchid
Relaxing with the aperitif.
- • Champagne aperitif
- • Macadamia nuts
- • Chocolates (gold box)
It was a delight to gaze at the orchid flower I received right after boarding.
Appetizer
- • Thai grilled chicken skewer (Gai Yang Ping) with dipping sauce*
- • Thai-style pickles (possibly celery)**
[(Editor’s Note)
* Thai dipping sauce ingredients: fish sauce, lime, palm sugar, chili, chopped coriander, etc.
** Seasoned with vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, and chili]
Table Setting
The table was set for me.
As expected, both the seat and the table are designed to be very spacious.
Starter
This is the appetizer, "Papaya Salad." It was absolutely delicious—a true gem of Thai cuisine.
A bread basket was also served.
Papaya Salad
A close-up of the papaya salad.
[(Editor’s Note)
Papaya salad is made with shredded green papaya and carrots, cherry tomatoes, and tossed in a dressing made of fish sauce, lemon juice, sugar, chili, and cilantro.]
Second Appetizer
This second appetizer features a selection of Japanese-style dishes.
- • Simmered green pepper (possibly ohitashi-style)
- • Datemaki, grilled salmon (?), broiled eel
- • Simmered dish (fried tofu, carrot)
- • Sesame ball, ginkgo leaf-shaped yokan (?)
Soup
This is a pumpkin soup with a hint of curry flavor.
Main Course
The main course was Thai red curry. The red curry is in the top-right bowl.
The plate features Thai rice and an omelet.
Cheese and Fruit
A post-meal platter of cheese and fruit.
Dessert and Coffee
These are the four small Thai-style cakes and coffee I had at the end of the meal.
Four Cakes
A close-up of the four small Thai cakes.
Just like Japanese wagashi (traditional sweets), these beautifully crafted cakes express seasonal flowers and fruits through color and shape.
