Review: Thai Airways A350 Business Class (Bangkok to Munich)

Wednesday newsletters feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a wonderful trip in Southeast Asia. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Thai Airways A350 Business Class (BKK – MUC)

In this review, I take a closer look at my recent Thai Airways Business Class experience on the Airbus A350-900 from Bangkok to Munich. The carrier offers a solid, if not the newest, hard product, featuring a staggered 1-2-1 Business Class layout that ensures direct aisle access from every seat. Onboard, passengers can expect thoughtful amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi, adding to the overall convenience of the journey. However, the absolute highlight of this flight was the catering: an exceptional dining experience that included caviar service in Business Class — typically reserved for First Class — and restaurant-quality meals that genuinely rival what you would expect on the ground (and I do not say that lightly). Thai hospitality also stood out, delivered with warmth and attentiveness throughout the flight.

Thai Airways International is Thailand’s flag carrier and one of Asia’s long-established airlines, with a history dating back to 1960 as a joint venture between Thai Airways Company and Scandinavian Airlines System. Over the decades, it has built a strong reputation for service rooted in Thai hospitality, while evolving its fleet into a modern mix of long-haul aircraft. Today, its wide-body operations primarily center around the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner family, which together form the backbone of its international network.

Thai Airways brands its Business Class as “Royal Silk Class,” a name that reflects its premium positioning and emphasis on Thai-inspired service and comfort, aligning with the airline’s signature focus on hospitality and refined onboard experience. Looking ahead, the airline has also announced a new Business Class product featuring sliding doors, set to be introduced next year. This upcoming cabin update signals a significant step forward in privacy and hard product consistency, bringing Thai Airways closer in line with the latest generation of premium long-haul Business Class offerings.

Have you ever flown in Thai Airways’ Business Class? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

• Trip: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Munich (MUC)
• Airline: Thai Airways
• Aircraft type: Airbus A350-900
• Aircraft registration number: HS-THN (built in 2018)
• On time departure: 0:50 am
• On time arrival: 7:50 am
• Miles: 5,490 miles (8,835 km)
• Flight time: 11 hours
• Seat: 17K
• Class: Business Class

In this review (more information & photos below my YouTube video):

1. Cost of my ticket
2. Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge in Bangkok
3. Business Class cabin
4. Business Class seat (+ best & worst seats)
5. Amenities & bedding
6. Meals
7. Entertainment
8. Onboard internet
9. Other inflight experiences
10. Final thoughts & my verdict (score)

1. Cost of My Ticket

I booked my one-way Business Class ticket from Phnom Penh to Brussels using Miles & More, the frequent flyer program of Lufthansa. The itinerary cost 100,000 miles plus €359.30 in taxes and surcharges and included three segments. The journey began with Thai Airways A320 Business Class from Phnom Penh to Bangkok, followed by the long-haul sector on Thai Airways Airbus A350 Business Class from Bangkok to Munich — the flight featured in this review. The trip then concluded with a short European hop in Brussels Airlines A320 Business Class from Munich to Brussels.

2. Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge in Bangkok

Thai Airways operates several premium lounges at its hub at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, offering Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members a comfortable place to relax before departure. The airline’s lounges are branded as either Royal Silk or Royal Orchid, although the distinction lies mainly in their size and location rather than the amenities on offer. All lounges feature elegant Thai-inspired décor, comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, shower facilities, and an extensive selection of food and beverages. Thai Airways’ flagship lounges in Concourse D offer the largest dining and seating areas, while the smaller lounges provide a quieter and more intimate setting. Although they may not rival the lavish lounges of some Middle Eastern airlines, Thai Airways’ lounges deliver warm Thai hospitality, quality dining, and a relaxing atmosphere, making them an excellent way to begin a long-haul journey.

As my flight to Munich departed from Concourse E, I visited the Royal Orchid Lounge, located one level below the main departures hall. Although it is one of Thai Airways’ smaller lounges, it proved to be a hidden gem. The contemporary interior is enhanced by subtle Thai design touches, with a variety of lounge chairs, armchairs, and quiet seating areas creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. Large floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the apron, offering excellent views of aircraft movements. At the heart of the lounge, a self-service buffet serves a generous selection of Thai and international dishes, fresh fruit, desserts, and a wide range of beverages. The real highlight, however, was the tranquility. During my visit, the lounge remained remarkably quiet, likely because most premium passengers choose the larger flagship lounges in Concourse D. As a result, I was able to enjoy the excellent food, peaceful surroundings, and tarmac views in complete tranquility before boarding my overnight Thai Airways Airbus A350 Business Class flight to Munich.

3. Business Class Cabin

Thai Airways’ Airbus A350-900 features a single Royal Silk Business Class cabin with 32 seats spread across eight rows. The seats are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring that every passenger enjoys direct aisle access. As with most staggered layouts, not all seats are identical. The window seats alternate between “true” window seats, positioned directly alongside the fuselage with the side console acting as a privacy barrier, and seats located closer to the aisle with the side table positioned next to the window. The former provide noticeably greater privacy and are therefore the preferred choice for solo travelers. The center seats also alternate between pairs that sit close together, making them ideal for couples, and pairs separated by the side consoles for passengers seeking more personal space.

Although the current Thai Airways Royal Silk product is no longer among the newest Business Classes, the cabin has aged remarkably well. The cabin’s design is strongly tied to Thai Airways’ identity, with a vibrant color palette of rich purples, magenta, and pink inspired by Thai orchid and magnolia blossoms. These signature tones are balanced by warm neutrals, dark wood-effect finishes, and subtle metallic accents, creating a warm ambiance rather than a sterile modern cabin. This aesthetic is further enhanced by a dynamic LED mood lighting system: soft pink, purple, and warm orange hues are used at key moments such as boarding, descent, and pre-arrival. While some may find the lighting slightly bold, there is no question that it reinforces the airline’s visual identity and makes the cabin instantly recognizable.

4. Business Class Seat (+ Best & Worst Seats)

The Business Class seat on Thai Airways’ A350 measures 20 inches (51 cm) in width with a pitch of 44 inches (112 cm). In bed mode, the seat offers a fully flat surface measuring 73.5 inches (187 cm) in length.

Each seat features a side console finished with a wooden table surface. Depending on the seat position, this console may be located along the aisle — offering greater privacy — or closer to the window or cabin center, where the more exposed positioning makes these seats less desirable. Beneath the console sits a metal strip housing the seat control panel, along with the handset for the in-flight entertainment system. Above the table, a reading light is integrated into a wood panel, with a magazine holder positioned behind it to keep reading materials neatly stored yet discreet.

In front of the seat is a 15.5-inch touchscreen entertainment display, with a decently sized ottoman below that forms part of the flatbed when the seat is fully reclined. The tray table is stored in the seatback directly in front and pulls out smoothly into a large, sturdy surface suitable for dining or working. It can also be slid aside when needed, allowing easy access in and out of the seat without disturbing items placed on it.

While the staggered, fully flat design is generally comfortable and practical, it does come with two notable drawbacks: privacy is somewhat limited due to the open layout, and storage space around the seat is quite restricted, with most belongings needing to be stored either beneath the ottoman or in the overhead bins rather than in dedicated side compartments.

Thai Airways numbers its A350 Business Class rows from 11 to 18, with row 13 omitted. Within this layout, seat selection plays an important role in overall comfort and privacy. Click here for a seat map.

What are the best Business Class seats on Thai Airways’ A350?

• For solo travelers, the best choice is a true window seat in positions A or K. These seats are located closer to the window, offering noticeably more privacy and a more enclosed feel. By contrast, the B and J window seats are less desirable, as they are positioned closer to the aisle and feel more exposed due to the staggered configuration.
• Couples or passengers traveling together should opt for the “honeymoon” middle seats (E and F), available in rows 11, 14, 16, and 18. These seats place travelers closer together (with the consoles of both seats on the aisle side, creating a cocoon), making them well suited for shared travel. A divider can be raised for additional privacy if needed.

What are the worst Business Class seats on Thai Airways’ A350?

• The least desirable seats are found in row 11 (the first row of Business Class) and, to a lesser extent, the last row, due to potential noise from nearby galleys and lavatories.
• Solo travelers should also avoid the honeymoon seats, as the close proximity to a stranger can feel awkward in this configuration — more similar to an Economy-style pairing. While a privacy divider is available, it does not fully replicate the separation of a true window seat.
• In addition, the B and J window seats are less private than A and K seats, as their aisle-facing orientation makes them feel more exposed and open to foot traffic.

5. Amenities & Bedding

Thai Airways’ long-haul Business Class experience is complemented by a thoughtfully curated set of amenities that reflect both Thai heritage and modern comfort.

A standout element is the amenity kit, created in collaboration with Jim Thompson, the renowned Thai lifestyle brand famous for its silk craftsmanship. The amenity kit is presented in a biodegradable fabric pouch featuring six exclusive Jim Thompson prints, each inspired by different aspects of Thai culture and natural beauty. These include Bupha, a vibrant tribute to Thailand’s Dendrobium orchids; Mini Elephants, celebrating the country’s iconic elephant heritage; Porcelain, drawing on historical Sino-Portuguese artistic influences; Amphawa, evoking the charm of riverside canal communities and floating markets; Royal Garland, inspired by traditional Thai floral garland craftsmanship; and Yatra, depicting grand ceremonial elephant processions.  Inside the kit, passengers find a selection of practical, premium items such as a biodegradable toothbrush, socks, lip balm, hand lotion, and an aromatherapy roller, along with a soft eye mask. A coordinating velvety sleep shade is also included, designed to match the aesthetic of the pouch and enhance rest during the flight.

Beyond the amenity kit, Thai Airways provides a comfortable long-haul sleep setup that includes a plush pillow, warm duvet, and mattress pad. Together, these elements create a restful sleeping environment on overnight sectors.

For in-flight entertainment and relaxation, Royal Silk passengers are also supplied with AKG N60NC noise-cancelling headphones. These deliver high-quality sound performance with effective active noise cancellation, helping to reduce cabin noise and improve immersion when watching films or listening to music during the flight.

6. Meals

An absolute highlight of the flight was the onboard dining, which ranks among the best I have experienced in Business Class. Both the presentation and flavor of the meals were consistently impressive, with a level of refinement that elevated the overall experience well beyond standard long-haul catering. Dishes were thoughtfully presented, well-balanced, and clearly prepared with attention to detail, making each meal feel genuinely premium rather than routine airline service. A particular standout was the caviar service, which Thai Airways offers in Business Class — a feature typically reserved for First Class on many airlines.

For dinner, I choose the following selection from the menu:

• Amuse bouche: tart of dried fish with watermelon and coated smoked salmon with ponzu pearls and white wine vinegar dressing.
• Appetizer: pan-seared foie gras paired with Siberian caviar, pickled shallots, and cucumber noodles, complemented by larb dressing gel and fresh herb bouquet.
• Main course: lamb chops in red curry with green banana, served with Thai jasmine rice, five-spice braised soft-boiled egg and ratchaburi black tofu, and sautéed french beans and grilled sweet corn.
• Dessert: mango sticky rice and mango crème brûlée, accompanied by coconut sauce and coconut cream, finished with crispy mung beans

All-day dining was available throughout the flight, so I was able to order snacks at any time. After waking up halfway through the journey, I got hungry again and chose one of the options: truffle cream cheese–stuffed chicken served with Café de Paris butter and risotto. It was an incredibly delicious meal. It’s impressive that Thai Airways offers something this refined as a mid-flight snack, as it would easily qualify as a main course on most other airlines.

For breakfast, I choose the sunrise prawn delight: butter poached tiger prawns with sautéed shimeji mushrooms and lobster bisque, served with onsen egg and creamy spinach in a delicate vol-au-vent. The dish tasted absolutely perfect and was served with seasonal fruits, Bircher muesli, an assortment of bread and pastries, French butter and preserved jam.

7. Entertainment

Thai Airways’ in-flight entertainment system in business class features a 15.5-inch touchscreen at every seat, offering a wide and diverse selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Passengers can easily navigate the content either by directly touching the screen or using the provided handset for added convenience. The system is responsive and user-friendly, making it simple to browse and select entertainment throughout the flight. A standout feature is the live tail camera available on the Airbus A350, which provides a unique pilot’s-eye view of takeoff, cruising, and landing, adding an extra layer of engagement to the journey.

8. Onboard Internet

Thai Airways offers Wi-Fi on its Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, and Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Royal First Class and Royal Silk Class passengers, as well as Royal Orchid Plus members, enjoy complimentary access to THAI Sky Connect. Other passengers can purchase a Wi-Fi package to stay connected throughout the flight.

9. Other Inflight Experiences

# Crew: The crew on this flight was particularly stellar, delivering a level of service that truly reflects Thailand’s renowned hospitality — arguably among the best in the world. Throughout the journey, they were warm, attentive, and consistently proactive. Service was unhurried yet efficient, with a strong attention to detail that made the entire experience feel polished and personal. The elegant crew uniforms also stood out, with their traditional Thai-inspired design adding a distinctive sense of identity and refinement to the cabin, reinforcing the airline’s cultural heritage and premium positioning.

# Lavatory: Business Class passengers on Thai Airways A350 have access to three lavatories in total: one located forward behind the cockpit and two positioned in the galley area between the Business and Economy Class cabins. All were kept clean and well-maintained throughout the flight. They were also equipped with high-end toiletries, adding a refined touch that aligned well with the overall premium experience onboard.

10. Final Thoughts & My Verdict

Overall, my Thai Airways Business Class experience on the Airbus A350-900 was excellent. While the hard product may not be the most cutting-edge in the market, the staggered 1-2-1 layout still offers a comfortable and practical seat with direct aisle access for every passenger. What truly elevated the journey, however, was the soft product. From the exceptional catering — highlighted by the rare inclusion of caviar in Business Class— to the consistently warm and attentive Thai hospitality, the onboard experience felt genuinely premium in all the right ways. Add in solid amenities, reliable Wi-Fi, and thoughtful touches throughout the flight, and it becomes clear that Thai Airways continues to deliver a highly enjoyable long-haul product.

• Seat comfort (upright): 8/10
• Seat comfort (bed position): 8/10
• Food (quality): 10/10
• Food (quantity): 10/10
• Inflight entertainment : 8/10
• WiFi: 8/10
• Service: 10/10
• Cabin design: 7/10
• Overall experience: very good 8.5/10

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