Despite being downgraded to business class, Thai still gave me the full first class treatment when I transited through Bangkok. I can't lie - the whole experience was fantastic.
For reasons known only to Thai, after landing, our aircraft taxied past dozens of empty gates before parking at a remote stand, forcing most of the passengers to wait for buses. I, on the other hand, was met at the door and escorted to a waiting minibus. Once we reached the terminal, a golf buggy sped through the long councourses at Bangkok, paused to clear security, then droped me at the First Class Spa lounge.
Thai's Bangkok ground service is famous for the spa treatments offered to First Class passengers. I didn't quite have time for the full body massage, but the 45-minute long neck and shoulder massage managed to undo some of the damage caused by too many nights sleeping on planes.
Back in the lounge, I ordered a plate of Pad Thai from the long menu and enjoyed a few drinks before heading on to Melbourne. In addition to the spa, the lounge has plenty on comfortable sofas, tasty food and decent wifi.
In addition to its spa facilities, Thai is also famous for switching aircraft at the last minute, but I was stunned at how many people in the lounge were being handed cash compensation after being downgraded from first.
The lounge facilities in Bangkok mean that Thai has to be a serious contendor when using Star Alliance miles for a flight to Asia or Australia, but don't count on flying in the seat you expected to.
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