Returning to Thailand was something I didn't play about, so I booked my flights very carefully for that comeback trip! I upgraded those Spring Airlines and Don Mueang choices for a Suvarnabhumi arrival with Thai Airways during October 2025. From low-cost to full service, I expected a lot from the Thai national carrier, crucially I wanted a smooth arrival into TG's hub!
The early alarm call was enough, keeping it moving, I made my way to Shanghai's Pudong International Airport for my first ever Thai Airways flight to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport! Thailand was calling me back but as mentioned before, no budget airlines could be trusted after Spring Airlines did me wrong! My airport hotel was a winner but the darkness of that October morning was offensive! Check-in was simple, I had my pre-departure information completed, the TDAC procedures took some going to complete though! I had missed Terminal 2 of this gargantuan Chinese international airport, it had only been a couples of weeks since I had returned from that hectic week in London, England! Jetting off to Thailand with their national carrier put trust in my decisions because boarding was on-time and no delays prevailed, keeping to the right schedule allowed an on-time departure! Of course, I had tanked two pints at Wolfgang Puck's with a breakfast sandwich to keep me steady! Get me to Thailand!
I had not lost the plot, I made sure I had shaken off the previous 48 hours spent in Bangkok before reporting for check-in to my return flight back to Shanghai. It was better to see those Thai Airways colours properly, the check-in hall was abuzz with foreign tourists who had enjoyed their fill. Check-in with Thai Airways in Bangkok was actually better because the 'Thai Smile' was present, sorry PVG but BKK knew how to make those last Thailand moments seem less painful. The outbound flight had been very early, I was happier the inbound flight was later because more life fronted me. Heading up the 'saddest escalator in the world', I felt content, I had purposefully concluded my second trip to Thailand in the same year, I wasn't mad! The Thai Airways terminal at BKK was nice, I loved the elaborate Thai statues and a concession served me a cracking baked goodie with my last can of Thai beer inhaled before boarding was called. I was ready for my Shanghai bound Thai Airways flight! Another on-time departure? Yes, ka! Let's go!
I needed to take a double take because I was confused. Thai's own 'Star Alliance' membership did me dirty, I found that both Airbus A350-XWB aircrafts didn't bare the usual purple and golden livery that Thai Airways is famous for! I was low-key mad but I couldn't do anything about it. I didn't take any photos of the aircraft on the outbound flight from Shanghai because I wasn't feeling those early morning settings. On the tarmac at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, I saw the same aircraft with the same livery, second time I wasn't mad because I saw the Thai logo before one of the front hatches opened. Aside from a very 'black and white' livery, the sleek Airbus impressed me much, I like flying on this model. Why do I prefer this model though? I always have a smoother flight and I can't ever deny, the fuselage is very pleasing to the eye! There might be a chance for me to see the usual Thai livery soon again but not on a booked flight. Preferences aside, at least it was not a Spring Airlines toy plane! OK, so a livery is a livery.
I was tight during February 2025 with my choices, I had already cancelled by first booked Chinese New Year holiday to Vietnam. I then decided that Thailand for two weeks would be much better, no full-scale shutdown would take place in Thailand during that time due to a holiday. What does this even have to do with my Thai Airways experience? To be honest, it has everything to do with it! I was vocal about my Spring Airlines flight and even though I flew from my then 'nearest airport' that being Ningbo Lishe, I had made a big mistake! Knowing that October 2025 brought a return to Thailand, I booked that Shanghai Pudong departing flight with Thai Airways for the same price as that Spring Airlines flight had been from Ningbo. The aircraft that Thai Airways operated on that PVG-BKK route both ways, well it trumped that previously described 'toy plane' reference. All is in the past, I am now in Hangzhou and have more full-service airlines to choose from! Thai Airways rectified that Spring Airlines choice! Case closed!
I'll be honest, the flight over to Bangkok was smooth but I was exhausted. I shelved my attention for the return flight back to Shanghai, I knew then the service would be appreciated more. I got comfortable on the flight back to Shanghai with the same well-presented crew members commencing service after take-off. Lunch was served not long after take-off but not before I accepted my first glass of red wine, a mighty smooth and delicious wine it was! For economy class I was very impressed with the quality of alcoholic beverages that were on offer. I went for the Chicken Pad Thai, it was fragrant and very delicious. I actually shunned Pad Thai during my latest trip to Thailand because other options tantalised my tastebuds. The meal was lovely, the cheesecake was light and complimented the meal completely. I devoured every piece of the meal, it was all really nice! No complaints could be found with this offering by Thai Airways, it was a far cry from my overpriced meal I paid for on Spring Airlines into Don Mueang. What to watch?
On the way to Bangkok, I snoozed most of the way from Shanghai! Tuning in and zoning out, those four hours whilst flying to Shanghai were spent mostly watch a recent season of 'Abbott Elementary'. I didn't want to commit to a feature length film because the flight wasn't long enough, that was just wrong! Sipping on another glass/cup of red wine was just what the doctor had ordered because whatever the situation might be, the end of a holiday is always awful. I relaxed to the max as each bite-size episode of that Public School centric American series passed me by, I really need to commit a Disney + subscription! Thai Airways impressed me more during that afternoon flight because everybody and everything was a bit more alive. I do the most on a flight but even with the quietness, morning flights have to be done sometimes. Lunch had been great, every morsel had been enjoyed and my chosen IFE decision suited me just fine. Thai Airways didn't need to do the most, their core product was very good, it was money well spent!
The cabin crew had been one of the reasons why I had shelled out for that Thai Airways flight. I judge an airline by how their crew present themselves and how they maintain their role as brand ambassadors for their organisation. It was a first when I saw the outbound Thai crew arrive at the gate at Pudong Airport in Shanghai, they had their own garment bags with laundered uniforms in? That would make sense? Yes, for them to return on their next sector looking fresh and presentable. Maybe some airlines have crew pack a second uniform in their suitcases or they just hang it up during the layover? Thai Airways crew presented themselves impeccably, the male crew members were handsome and well turned out but I was looking out for the female crew for once. The clean cut nature of the purple blazer looked great, it was smart but pretty at the same time. Each female crew member had their hair in a pinned style, they were all uniquely Thai and very beautiful. I picked my moment carefully to ask my questions. Would a photo be alright, T?
I gingerly went to the galley to dispose of my cup, there was a crew member present. I politely asked if it would be possible to take a photo with the crew? Now, these days it's all about consent and permission, I stressed that the agreeing crew members needed to feel comfortable. Most of the time, many airlines encourage their crew to be personable and interact with passengers as part of their brand image. I was approached by a senior member of crew once I had gone back to my seat with a further glass of red wine. She was friendly and had given me some amenity kit items and an all important Thai Airways pen! Before disembarking the aircraft, I was able to take a photo with the same member of crew after being advised to wait for the other passengers to leave the aircraft. I appreciated the time bestowed to me and it was the second photo taken in Business Class after Garuda Indonesia! Getting my things together, my Thai Airways experience ended right! Spring Airlines could and would never give me this quality experience! การขอบใจ!
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Desperately Seeking Adventure