I recently traveled on Thai Airways from Bangkok to Denpasar Bali onboard their B787-8 Royal Silk Class (Business Class).
Here are some pictures from my flight and the new Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge experience.
![a check in area with blue screens and signs](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_12-800x600.jpg)
![a escalator in a building](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_08-800x600.jpg)
![a sign on a wall](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_01.jpg)
![Many Thai Airways lounges are still classed including Royal Orchid Spa and Silk lounge at Concourse C.](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_07-800x600.jpg)
Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge Bangkok
![a model airplane in a room](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_06-800x600.jpg)
![New Thai Airways Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_13-800x600.jpg)
![a buffet with food on it](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_03-800x600.jpg)
![a buffet line with food on the counter](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_02-800x600.jpg)
![a menu sign on a counter](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_11-800x600.jpg)
![The famous Thai Airways tuna puff](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_05-800x600.jpg)
![a sign on a counter](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_14-800x600.jpg)
![New Thai Airways Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_09-800x600.jpg)
![a bathroom with a glass shower and sink](jpg/thai_airways_prestige_lounge_04-800x600.jpg)
Overall, I think the Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge is a better lounge than Thai Airways has in Bangkok. I was satisfied with the amount of food. I visited the lounge around 8 am during peak morning departure hours and didn't feel too crowded.
The best feature Thai used to have, is the Royal Orchid Spa which Business Class passengers are entitled to spa treatment but I fear that may be in the past now as Thai Airways is going through restructuring.
TG431 Bangkok to Denpasar Bali
My flight was operated by B787-8, which Thai has 6 in the fleet (and 2 B787-9). I notice the exterior of the aircraft is quite dirty.
![a group of people in an airport](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_13-800x600.jpg)
![a plane on the tarmac](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_10.jpg)
![a plane parked at an airport](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_07-800x600.jpg)
Thai Airways has just 22 lie flay Business Class on their 787-8 in a 2-2-2 configuration. My seat is in the middle aisle 11D.
While the padding is excellent, the seat feels quite wide open in terms of privacy. Those sitting by the window have to hop over their seat neighbour to get out.
![a group of people sitting in an airplane](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_11.jpg)
![people sitting in chairs on an airplane](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_05.jpg)
![a plate of food on a table](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_14.jpg)
![a man sitting in a chair with a drink in his hand](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_06.jpg)
![a plate of food on a table](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_02.jpg)
Before landing, the cabin crew came with this QR code for the customs declaration form of Indonesia. There are no more paper forms.
![a woman wearing a mask and holding a paper](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_04.jpg)
![a paper with a qr code](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_09.jpg)
![an aerial view of a body of water and land](jpg/thai_airways_787_business_class_08.jpg)
Summary
My flight was a smooth one with Thai Airways. The airline fell to the bottom and there is still a long way to go back to its glorious past. I still have the soft spot for them. Clearly, they are undergoing restructuring and attempting to recover. With almost half of their fleet out (retirement of B747-400, A380 and older 777/A330s), I can see there is a shortage of aircraft. Items such as the menu card, Sawadee magazine, and the silky Thai dress are currently all missing onboard. Some positive elements of my flight were the polite and efficient crew.