As you'd expect from an Asian carrier, the crew was warm and friendly from the moment I boarded, with one flight attendant even offering me a blanket for the short flight before I reached my seat.

Once we were airborne, the crew efficiently served the in-flight meals, bringing out special trays first, followed by the main meal service from the galley.

During the few interactions I had onboard, the crew members conveyed a sense of Thai elegance I’d come to appreciate during my stay, often greeting passengers with a traditional hand-clasped gesture to show their gratitude.

I have to give a special mention to one flight attendant who, noticing my disappointment about the lack of amenity kits for economy passengers, offered me a set of amenities during my visit to the galley. It was a thoughtful gesture that added a nice touch to the journey.

If there's one thing we all know, it's that in-flight catering can be hit-or-miss, especially depending on the departure location.

On this flight, however, the catering was impressive. The economy menu offered two choices:

1. Noodles in Thick Sauce with Chicken

2. Baked Fish with Rice & Seasoned Vegetables

I chose the fish, and it turned out to be a great pick. The fish was tender, and the rice was perfectly steamed, complemented by a savory yet slightly sweet sauce that brought the dish together beautifully. It felt like a comforting, home-style meal—just what you’d want when traveling far from home.

The meal tray included an appetizer salad with tomatoes, onions, and some type of meat that was decent, a warm bread roll with butter, and a fantastic dessert—a sticky rice cake with coconut syrup, which was delicious and distinctly Thai.

The vegetables were fairly unremarkable, though I wasn't expecting much there.

Luckily, I also got to try the noodle dish, as my seatmate didn’t want theirs. The noodles were quite filling, though a bit bland since the casserole lacked variety. Still, it was a solid option if you’re simply looking to satisfy your hunger.

After the meal, the crew came around with coffee, tea, and a selection of fruit juices, including apple, orange, and tomato.

Thai Airways’ in-flight entertainment is adequate for keeping you engaged on a medium-haul route, with a mix of music across genres and a selection of Western dramas and movies.

For a shorter flight like mine, the in-flight map kept me occupied as I explored the seat features and wrapped up an article on my laptop. It offered a detailed view of our route, with regular updates on flight progress, as well as essential metrics like time to destination, speed, altitude, and outside temperature.

Though the digital offerings are decent, there’s room for improvement. Enhancing the experience with options like external flight cameras, a heads-up display, and a broader entertainment selection—including live TV and more movies—would make longer journeys more enjoyable.

For short-haul flights, no amenity kits are provided, but items like sleeping socks and earplugs are available on request. Small snacks and drinks were also offered for a little extra comfort.

My flight from Singapore was on Thai Airways' older 777-200, in service since the mid-2000s. So I was pretty excited to try out the more modern 787 economy class, with its responsive 11-inch touchscreen IFE system.

The seat itself was fairly average in terms of material and comfort, with a simple layout and a bi-fold headrest. But the advertised 32-inch seat pitch was impressive—it was spacious enough for my 5’7 frame to stretch out at a comfortable angle. The seat pockets held the usual in-flight literature along with extra space for personal items like chargers, power banks, passports, and even my rather large 15-inch laptop.

Our aircraft was also equipped with individual reading lights and, to my surprise, personal air vents—something that’s not always available on newer planes.

Below the IFE screen, there was a USB port and headphone jack, and a universal power outlet between the seats. Although remotes were provided, I found the touchscreen worked well on its own.

But here’s a warning if you're considering this route: Row 55, where I was seated, doesn’t have a window! I wish I’d double-checked this with the agent at check-in.

The lavatory. As any flight reviewer knows, a visit to the rear cabin restroom is a must. Thai Airways’ lavatory was stocked with the basics—toothbrushes, napkins, and what appeared to be lotion—in a space that was kept clean and orderly. There weren’t many additional amenities, but it covered the essentials.

WiFi packages: These were pay-per-use and leaned on the pricier side. These packages are only available on select aircraft, specifically the A350, 787, and 777-300ER.

Now, the main consideration — price. For the Singapore-Bangkok route, there are plenty of options, with flights available daily across five different carriers.

Thai Airways’ primary competitor here on the world’s 9th busiest route is Singapore Airlines, which is well-known for its high standards. For a short trip like this, Thai’s fares are generally competitive, closely matching those of Singapore Airlines. During peak periods, such as holidays, Singapore Airlines can sometimes be pricier, making Thai Airways a solid alternative, especially for last-minute bookings. Cathay Pacific is another choice for those looking for something a bit different, while budget-friendly options include Scoot and Jetstar Asia.

EDITORS NOTE: The author of this review was traveling on a self funded ticket, he was not traveling as a guest of Thai Airways.