Mini-Shopping Holiday in Bangkok in March 2013 ~ Section 4

A very warm welcome to the fourth section of my short mini-shopping vacation in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2013. This is the final section of the entire blog report. The main focus topic that will be covered will mainly be the journey towards Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the return journey home to Singapore.

Part 1 ~ The Journey to Suvarnabhumi Airport

After spending six days of shopping and sightseeing in Bangkok, Thailand, it was finally time to head back home to Singapore. On Wednesday (20 March), we all woke up at around 10.30 a.m. to pack up our remaining baggage for the journey home to Singapore. Our itinerary for the return trip to Singapore would be to fly on Thai Airways International on Flight TG 409 bound for Singapore, which would be scheduled to depart Suvarnabhumi Airport at 4.35 p.m., and arrive at Singapore Changi Airport at 7.55 p.m. later that evening.

We had arranged to check out of the LIT Hotel Bangkok at noon, and arrange for a cab to Suvarnabhumi Airport to pick us up at one o' clock the previous night in advance. As soon as we had a nice, hot shower and changed into our attire for the return trip to Singapore, we spent the rest of the morning packing up our baggage. We also performed several checks in our rooms to see that nothing had been left unpacked.

One final look at my room, Room No. 610 shortly after we had finished packing our baggage

After we had finished packing all our baggage for the journey back home to Singapore, my dad called the main reception to send a baggage porter up to our rooms to collect our baggage. At around 11.50 a.m., a well-dressed hotel porter came up to the sixth floor and towards our rooms. He loaded our baggage onto the baggage trolley and offered to store it for us in the main lobby.

Grateful for his offer, we decided to take the elevator down towards the second floor hotel restaurant, named Fiesta Steppe to have lunch before leaving the hotel for Suvarnabhumi Airport. Upon entering to the restaurant, a restaurant waiter ushered us to a table. He then distributed the food and beverage menus to us to review before placing our lunch orders.

In Fiesta Steppe, I could tell that we were the only patrons in the restaurant. Especially at this time of day, there were hardly and people patronising the place. After having a good review through the food and beverage menus, a waiter came to our table to take our orders for lunch. We ordered several dishes that appeared to be our likings. Soon, we had a pretty good lunch at Fiesta Steppe Restaurant in the LIT Hotel Bangkok.

The interior of Fiesta Steppe Restaurant at the LIT Hotel Bangkok

The cover page for the food and beverage menu in Fiesta Steppe Restaurant

Reviewing the food and beverage menu in Fiesta Steppe Restaurant

The cover page for the wine list at Fiesta Steppe Restaurant

Reviewing the wine list for Fiesta Steppe Restaurant

A plate of grilled Kurobuta pork chop with sweet potato and apple sauce for my brother

Another plate of grilled Kurobuta pork chop with sweet potato and apple sauce for myself

Thai green curry with sautéed beef and vegetables with steamed rice

A mug of hot chocolate for myself

A bowl of french fries to share with my brother

A plate of cheese tuna sandwich for my mum

The view of the hotel lobby from Fiesta Steppe Restaurant

The interior of Fiesta Steppe Restaurant just before we left

After having a sumptuous lunch at Fiesta Steppe Restaurant on the second floor, the clock was finally 12.50 p.m.. Knowing that the cab would be arriving at the hotel in 10 minutes' time, we paid our bill and took the elevator down to the ground floor. While I waited for the cab to arrive, my mum went to the reception counter to check us out of the hotel. Before I knew it, a large silver cab pulled up at the main entrance to the LIT Hotel Bangkok.

As the driver got out from his cab, he offered to help us load our baggage into the boot of his cab. As soon as all our baggage was loaded into the boot of the large silver cab, we all got into the cab, and informed the driver that we would be flying on Thai Airways International in Royal Silk Class. With all the preparations completed, we finally departed the compound the LIT Hotel Bangkok at 1.10 p.m. for a short 45-minute road journey over the expressways towards Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The main lobby of the LIT Hotel Bangkok just before we left for Suvarnabhumi Airport

The large grey luxury cab that will soon take us to Suvarnabhumi Airport

The main entrance to the LIT Hotel Bangkok just before we left for Suvarnabhumi Airport

The fountain outside the main entrance to the LIT Hotel Bangkok

The exterior of the LIT Hotel Bangkok as we begin our 45-minute journey towards Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bypassing the Erawan Shrine below the BTS Skytrain bridges

Bypassing Phloen Chit City in downtown Bangkok's Pathum Wan District

The view of the flyovers and expressways towards downtown Bangkok

Turning towards the expressway that links to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bypassing the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link Makkasan Rail Terminal on the way to Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link running parallel to the expressway towards Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bypassing a mosque on the way to Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link viaduct on the highway towards Suvarnabhumi Airport

A Thai Airways International Airbus A380 commercial display by the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link viaduct

Turning towards the flyover towards Suvarnabhumi Airport

The viaduct of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link as we approach Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Thai Airways International airline hangar at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bypassing the Novotel Hotel Suvarnabhumi Airport, where we previously stayed during our long layover in Bangkok when we went to South Korea in December 2008

Finally arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport

After a journey time of 45 minutes from the LIT Hotel Bangkok in the Pathum Wan District of downtown Bangkok, we finally arrived at the departure curb side of Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1.55 p.m.. At the drop-off area, we grabbed a few baggage trolleys while my dad paid the cab driver as he helped us unload all our baggage from the boot of his cab.

With all our baggage loaded onto the trolleys, we thanked the driver and went into the terminal building towards Thai Airways International Royal Silk Class check-in counter to check in for Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore. In the terminal building, there were relatively a lot of travellers waiting to check in for their flights.

As soon as we were inside the departures and check-in area of Suvarnabhumi Airport at two o' clock, we proceeded to the Thai Airways International Royal Silk Class international flight check-in counter located near the end of the terminal building. There, we went to check in our bulky baggage for Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore. The entire check-in process for Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore took approximately just a quick 10 minutes, eventually finishing by 2.10 p.m..

The departure curbside at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Several travellers alighting from a limousine bus at the curbside of Suvarnabhumi Airport

The departures and check-in area of Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Thai Airways International Royal Silk Class domestic flight check-in counter in Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Thai Airways International Royal Silk Class international flight check-in counter in Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Thai Airways International Airbus A380 commercial display located near the Thai Airways International Royal Silk Class international flight check-in counter in Suvarnabhumi Airport

The massive departure flight information screen in the departures and check-in area of Suvarnabhumi Airport

My boarding pass for the sector between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Singapore

After the check-in process at the Thai Airways International Royal Silk Class check-in counter was completed, we finally received our boarding passes for Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore. According to the check-in agent, Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore would depart from Gate No. C6 at 4.35 p.m..

She also reminded us that boarding would commence at 4.05 p.m., ½ an hour before the scheduled departure time. Without wasting anymore time, we proceeded to the Thai Airways International Fast Track area located beside the Thai Airways International Royal Silk Class check-in counter. This Fast Track is a private security checkpoint reserved for passengers flying on Thai Airways International in Royal First Class or Royal Silk Class.

Going through this Fast Track was very convenient, as the security check was a quick one, allowing us to clear the passport control area and getting into the airside by 2.20 p.m.. As soon as we were in the airside, we saw that there was a Royal First Lounge and Royal Silk Lounge located just aft of the passport control area below us.

With that, we rode the escalator down and checked into the Royal Silk Lounge. Upon entering the lounge, we saw that it was quite big and comfortable, with glasses for passengers to see things outside the lounge. Soon, we spent some time in the Royal Silk Lounge chilling out and having some light drinks.

The entrance down to the Royal Silk Lounge located just aft of the passport control area

The interior of the Royal Silk Lounge located just aft of the passport control area

One of the seating areas in the Royal Silk Lounge located just aft of the passport control area

The entrance to the Royal Silk Lounge located just aft of the passport control area

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-212/ER, registered 9V-SRL, taxiing towards Gate No. D2 after arriving as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 974 from Singapore

Concourse D at Suvarnabhumi Airport

9V-SRL about to dock onto Gate No. D2. After resting in Bangkok, she will head home as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 977 bound for Singapore

A Gulf Air Airbus A330-243, registered A9C-KB and painted in the special "Bahrain F1 Grand Prix" livery, having a well-earned rest on the tarmac after her morning arrival from the Kingdom of Bahrain as Gulf Air flight GF 150 from Manama. She will be heading back home to Bahrain as Gulf Air flight GF 153 bound for Manama later this evening

A Thai Airways International Airbus A330-343X, registered HS-TER, being docked on to Gate No. C2 for her late afternoon Middle Eastern journey towards the United Arab Emirates as Thai Airways International flight TG 517 bound for Dubai

Drafting out the return essay for the return trip to Singapore. The font for the original report is Verdana, but a second edition may use Optima

A glass of Coca-cola Lite for myself

The interior of the Royal Silk Lounge just before I left for Gate No. C6

Part 2 ~ The Flight Back Home to Singapore

Airline: Thai Airways International
Flight No.: TG 409
From: Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK / VTBS), Bangkok, Thailand
To: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Singapore
Aircraft: Boeing 777-3AL/ER
Registration No.: HS-TKK (Named "Philavan")
Class: Royal Silk Class (Business Class)
Seat No.: 21K
Date: Wednesday, 20 March 2013

After chilling out and having some light bites and beverages in the Royal Silk Lounge for approximately 1¼ hours, the clock was finally showing 3.35 p.m.. Knowing that boarding for Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore would commence in ½ an hour's time, I packed up my carry-on belongings and immediately proceeded to Gate No. C6. My parents and younger brother followed behind me.

Between Gate No. C6 and the Royal Silk Lounge located after the passport control area, the walk took approximately 10 minutes. Soon enough, we finally arrived at Gate No. C6 at 3.50 p.m., ¼ of an hour before boarding commenced. As soon as we arrived at Gate No. C6, we walked along the downward sloping passageway and some steps towards the gate holding area, where we had our boarding passes were checked.

Today, Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore would be operated by a two-class Boeing 777-300/ER, registered HS-TKK and named Philavan. The aircraft was also powered by two General Electric GE90-115B engines, which are the most powerful jet engines in the world today. HS-TKK was delivered new to Thai Airways International on 2 August 2012, and as the first company-owned Boeing 777-300/ER for the airline, which makes the aircraft approximately seven months old today.

The Boeing 777-300/ER is the latest passenger model of the Boeing 777. It has the same body of the Boeing 777-300, but has raked wingtips. The plane is powered exclusively by two General Electric GE90-115B engines, with the first customer being Air France. The main competitor from Airbus for the Boeing 777-300/ER is the Airbus A340-600, which is powered by a choice of four Rolls-Royce Trent 556-61, four Rolls-Royce Trent 556A2-61, or four Rolls-Royce Trent 560A2-61 engines.

Today, many airlines are ordering the Boeing 777-300/ER to replace their older aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400. For example, Air China, the flag carrier airline of the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) has an order of 20 Boeing 777-300/ERs, with 11 of them delivered as of 1 March 2013. These are expected to replace the airline's older fleet of Boeing 747-400s, which are due to be retired in the long term.

One of the airport concourses towards Concourses A, B anc C in Suvarnabhumi Airport

The massive departure flight information screen showing the many flight departures near Concourses A, B and C

Approaching Concourse C in Suvarnabhumi Airport

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-212/ER, registered 9V-SRL, being pushed back from Gate No. D2 for her journey back home as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 977 bound for Singapore

A Lufthansa Airbus A340-642, registered D-AIHK, resting at Gate No. D3 after arriving from her long overnight trans-Indian Ocean journey from Germany as Lufthansa flight LH 782 from Frankfurt. She will soon be continuing on to Malaysia towards Kuala Lumpur after finishing her break in Bangkok

Our aircraft for today, HS-TKK, waiting for us to be transported home at Gate No. C6 as Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore

The departure information screen at Gate No. C6 showing the details of our flight

The gate holding area at Gate No. C6 with lots of travellers waiting for boarding to commence

Our aircraft for today, HS-TKK, being serviced at Gate No. C6 in preparation for her short regional flight towards the Lion City as Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore

9V-SRL taxiing to her assigned runway for her journey back home as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 977 bound for Singapore

A China Southern Airlines Boeing 737-83N, registered B-5121, taxiing to her assigned runway for her journey back home to Mainland China as China Southern Airlines flight CZ 3082 bound for Guiyang via Guangzhou

The airport tarmac of Suvarnabhumi Airport as seen from Gate No. C6

After spending approximately 10 minutes of anticipated waiting, the first boarding calls for Thai Airways International flight TG 409 bound for Singapore were finally made at 4.05 p.m.. The Royal Silk Class passengers, as well as the Royal Orchid Plus club members, and the passengers requiring special assistance were called to board the aircraft first. With the first boarding calls made, we grabbed all our belongings and rolled up for the boarding process.

Soon, we were finally on board HS-TKK by 4.10 p.m., which was in good time for a 4.35 p.m. departure. At the door, two cheery flight stewardesses welcomed us on board and checked our boarding passes. They then showed us the direction to our seats. We would be seated in Seats No. 18E, 18F, 21G and 21K respectively for the short flight of 2 hours 20 minutes to Singapore.

The Royal Silk Class seats we would be using for the flight were the brand new sets of Royal Silk Class lie-flat seats arranged in a staggered configuration. The seats are completely lie-flat and can recline to a full 180º to allow passengers to rest comfortably. These seats were introduced following the delivery of Thai Airways International's fleet of Boeing 777-300/ERs in 2012, and can mainly be found on the Airbus A380s and the fully-owned Boeing 777-300/ERs. The new set of lie-flat Royal Silk Class seats looked exactly like Etihad Airways' long-haul Pearl Business Class seats, which I rode previously when I went to Australia in June 2012.

The flight attendants did their usual routines of distributing the pre-departure beverages and free newspapers for the Royal Silk Class passengers. I had my usual glasses of orange juice and water to settle in for the journey home. Food and beverage menus for the flight were also handed out at the same time, with the in-flight dinner orders taken while the boarding was still taking place.

A flight steward came up to my seat to ask me what I wanted for the in-flight dinner main course. I opted to have the pan-fried snapper with black pepper dark vinegar sauce, vegetables, fried rice, sautéed Taiwanese cabbage and carrots. At the same time, I also made an in-flight sales order to purchase a Thai Airways International Airbus A380 Scale 1:500 aircraft exclusive model at a price of US$40.

A view of my seat, 21K, during the boarding process in Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin during the boarding process in Suvarnabhumi Airport

My usual pre-departure glass of orange juice

The Thai Airways International in-flight duty-free magazine

Eyeing my most wanted in-flight duty-free item in the in-flight duty-free magazine

My usual pre-departure glass of water and a hot towel

A Thai Airways International Airbus A340-642, registered HS-TNA, having a well-earned rest at Gate No. C8 beside us after arriving from her long overnight trans-Indian Ocean journey from the United Kingdom as Thai Airways International flight TG 917 from London (Heathrow)

The personal video screen at the front of my seat

A Thai Airways International Airbus A380 commercial page in the Sawasdee magazine

The cover page for the food and beverage menu for the sector between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Singapore

Reviewing the food and beverage menu for the sector between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Singapore

The cover page for the wine list for the sector between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Singapore

The wine list for the sector between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Singapore

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin just before the boarding process was completed

The seatbelt sign illuminated before the aircraft doors were closed

At 4.30 p.m., all the aircraft doors were closed and we finally pushed back from Gate No. C6, five minutes ahead of schedule. The safety briefing demonstration video was shown on our personal video screens as we began our taxi towards our assigned runway for take-off. We then taxied along the airport tarmac for approximately 10 minutes, bypassing several aircraft along the way.

After a brief 10-minute taxiway to our assigned runway, the two powerful General Electric GE90-115B engines spooled to life, and we finally lifted off from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 4.40 p.m.. We then climbed into the into the bright late afternoon sky for a regional flight time of just two hours over the South China Sea towards the Republic of Singapore.

The large General Electric GE90-115B engine as we push back from Gate No. C6

The safety briefing information video beginning to show on our video screens

HS-TNA resting at Gate No. C8 beside us after arriving from her long overnight trans-Indian Ocean journey from the United Kingdom as Thai Airways International flight TG 917 from London (Heathrow)

A Gulf Air Airbus A330-243, registered A9C-KB and painted in the special "Bahrain F1 Grand Prix" livery, resting on the tarmac near Concourses C and D. She will be heading back home to Bahrain as Gulf Air flight GF 153 bound for Manama later this evening

The safety briefing information video reminding passengers of the hazards and consequences of smoking on board an aircraft

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin during taxi to the runway

A Swiss International Air Lines Airbus A340-313X, registered HB-JME, having a well-earned rest on the tarmac after arriving from her long trans-Indian Ocean journey from the Swiss Confederation as Swiss International Air Lines flight LX 180 from Zurich earlier. She will be heading back home to Switzerland as Swiss International Air Lines flight LX 181 bound for Zurich later tonight

A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-267, registered B-HNA, taxiing to her assigned runway for her journey back home as Cathay Pacific flight CX 712 bound for Hong Kong. This aircraft had arrived from Singapore earlier and had a short break in Bangkok before continuing her journey. I have rode on this aircraft three times before in May 2010 and March 2012

Taxiing to our assigned runway for take-off

Getting closer to our assigned runway for take-off

Thai Airways International Flight 409 ~ Afternoon Take-off from Suvarnabhumi Airport

The powerful General Electric GE90-115B engine cruising the aircraft into the bright afternoon sky

Flying through a blanket of clouds over the South China Sea towards Singapore

The seatbelt sign was turned off at 4.50 p.m., just 10 minutes after we took off from Suvarnabhumi Airport. As the flight cabin crew sprung into action to begin the in-flight dinner service, I went to the lavatory before settling down to do my own personal stuff. On Thai Airways International, unlike the Airbus A340-600, the Boeing 777-300/ER does not feature windows in the lavatories.

Just a few moments after I settled down into my seat, a flight stewardess came to me to ask what beverages I wanted to commence the in-flight meal service. As usual, I just requested for a simple glass of orange juice and water to start off with. With the beverages and nothing else to do, I settled down to do my own personal surfing on my laptop to keep myself entertained for the flight.

At around 5.15 p.m., the in-flight dinner service officially began. The flight attendants started to serve our meal trays containing our appetizers. Once my first course was delivered to my dining table, I requested for a glass of Coca-cola. To my surprise and delight, the flight attendant was kind enough to give me the entire can, which I slurped delightfully.

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin shortly after the seatbelt sign was turned off

The smoke detector installed in the lavatories

The front Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin after the seatbelt sign was turned off

A view of my seat, 21K, during the flight

Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER Herpa Scale 1:500 (507158)

Etihad Airways Airbus A330-343X "Visit Abu Dhabi 2011" Herpa Scale 1:500 (523066)

Two glasses of water and orange juice for myself

A packet of mixed nuts to start off the meal service

Working on my return trip report during the flight. Originally using Verdana as the main typeface for the original report, Optima will be the font used for the second edition

The sun shining brightly over the South China Sea as we cruise away from Thai airspace

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin just as the in-flight dinner service officially commenced

The first course: Marinated prawns and scallop skewers with tamarind sauce, cherry tomato salad and mozzarella pearls in cabbage cup

A glass of Coca-cola for myself

The flight route map indicating our cruising altitude between Phuket and Penang

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin during the cruising altitude between Thailand and Malaysia

After approximately 10 minutes of waiting, the flight stewardess re-appeared at my seat again. This time, she had my main course, which was the pan-fried snapper with black pepper dark vinegar sauce, vegetables, fried rice, sautéed Taiwanese cabbage and carrots. With the main meal finally delivered to my seat, I tucked into my main course for dinner.

As I took the first bite out of the fish, it tasted pretty soft and tender, with the rice, vinegar sauce and the carrots being the perfect accompaniments to such a fine in-flight meal like this. After I had polished off my sumptuous in-flight dinner, the flight stewardess came up to my seat to clear my meal tray.

When she asked me whether I wanted dessert, I eagerly agreed to have the raspberry with vanilla panna cotta. I then went to the lavatory and returned to my seat, only to find my dessert waiting for me. I also received my desired Thai Airways International Airbus A380 Scale 1:500 aircraft model from the duty-free service, having it pre-paid by my mum. With nothing else left to do, I polished off my dessert and my plate was cleared after that. For the remainder of the flight until the seatbelt sign was illuminated, I was left with my own devices to keep me company.

My main course: Pan-fried snapper with black pepper dark vinegar sauce, vegetables, fried rice, sautéed Taiwanese cabbage and carrots

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin during the main course section of the in-flight dinner service

The front Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin during the in-flight dessert service after the main course section was finished

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin during the in-flight dessert service after the main course section was finished

The ultimate dessert: Raspberry with vanilla panna cotta

Flying somewhere between Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur over Malaysia

The flight route map indicating our entrance into Singapore airspace

The beautiful sunset over the South China Sea between Malaysia and Singapore

My newly-purchased Thai Airways International Airbus A380 Scale 1:500 aircraft model

Flying over the South China Sea between Malaysia and Singapore

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin shortly before the seatbelt sign was illuminated in preparation for descent into Singapore

The sun setting with night beginning to fall as we begin our descent into Singapore

In accordance with the Singapore Local Time, the seatbelt sign was illuminated at 7.20 p.m., just 20 minutes in preparation for descent into Singapore Changi Airport. Knowing that we were about to arrive in Singapore very soon, we quickly packed and stowed all our carry-on items and buckled up, in preparation for the landing.

Night was starting to fall as we began the descent into our homeland. After a short regional flight time of just two hours over the South China Sea from the capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand, we finally touched down in Singapore Changi Airport at 7.40 p.m., ¼ of an hour ahead of schedule. By this time, it was completely dark.

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin shortly after the seatbelt sign was illuminated in preparation for descent into Singapore

The safety information brochure for Thai Airways International's fleet of Boeing 777-300/ERs

The sun setting somewhere over the Johor Strait between Malaysia and Singapore

One of the powerful General Electric GE90-115B engines as we begin to enter Singapore airspace

The flight route map indicating our approach into Singapore

Night falling as we commence our descent into Singapore

One of the powerful General Electric GE90-115B engines as we begin our descent into Singapore

The lights of Singapore shining below us as we begin our descent into our homeland

Thai Airways International Flight 409 ~ Night Landing in Singapore Changi Airport

Taxiing past several aircraft at Terminal 1

An Air France Boeing 777-328/ER, registered F-GSQF, parked at Gate No. D34 after arriving from France as Air France flight AF 256 from Paris (Charles de Gaulle) earlier. She will be heading back home to France later tonight as Air France flight AF 257 bound for Paris (Charles de Gaulle)

Approaching our Terminal 1 arrival gate, Gate No. D49

The dimmed Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class as we make our way to our arrival gate, Gate No. D49 at Terminal 1

The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin during the disembarkation process in Singapore

After taxiing along the airport tarmac for approximately 10 minutes, we finally docked on to our arrival gate, Gate No. D49, at 7.50 p.m.. Once the seatbelt signs were turned off, we immediately unbuckled and took all our personal belongings before disembarking the aircraft.

Upon exiting the aircraft, the flight attendants bade us a friendly farewell and wished us a pleasant journey back home. As with my previous blog reports, there are airline grading systems I have set for each airline I fly with, with 'D' being the minimum pass grade. The grading systems are as follows:

A+: 85% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance)

A: 75% ~ 84% (Airline has a good rating and performance)

B: 60% ~ 74% (Airline has a good rating and performance)

C: 50% ~ 59% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance)

D: 40% ~ 49% (Airline has a fair rating and performance)

E: 20% ~ 39% (Airline has a poor rating and performance)

U: Below 20% (Airline has not met the requirement for the minimum grade)

Thai Airways International Flight 409 Score Report

Seat: 20 / 20
Food: 17 / 20
Service: 17 / 20
Aircraft cleanliness: 18 / 20
Legroom space: 17 / 20
Total: 89 / 100

In summary, Thai Airways International achieved a total score of 89% for my return trip between Bangkok and Singapore. This means that they deserve the highest grade, an 'A+'. Again, in many years, the airline has taken a great improvement and leap. It was indeed a pleasant flight with Thai Airways International, and on board its new Boeing 777-300/ER. Indeed, Thai Airways International, I am very proud of you, and hope that you can keep up with the good work.

After disembarking from Thai Airways International flight TG 409 from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), we walked along a jetway towards Concourse D in Terminal 1. However, to add to more confusion and delay, there was a security checkpoint for arriving flights between Gates No. D38 to D49. This is something which I find very weird and troublesome as arrival security checkpoints tend to cause confusion and delay for arriving passengers.

In some airports worldwide, such as in Japan, there is no post-arrival security checks for passengers. We then headed down to the relatively crowded immigrations area to clear immigration before we went to claim our check-in baggage. To do this, we used the thumb fingerprint checkpoint, which is reserved exclusively for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents of Singapore.

After clearing the immigrations area, I went to the baggage belt information screen to see where our check-in baggage would be arriving at. According to the baggage belt information screen, all check-in baggage from Thai Airways International flight TG 409 from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would be arriving at Belt No. 20. Without wasting anymore time, I went to get a few baggage trolleys. While I followed my dad and brother towards Belt No. 20 towards the baggage claiming hall, my mum went to an arrival duty-free shop to purchase some duty-free items.

Walking along Concourse D towards the immigrations area

The immigrations area in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The baggage belt information screen indicating that our check-in baggage would be arriving at Belt No. 20

The passageway towards the baggage claiming hall in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The arrival flight information screen in the baggage claiming hall of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

Belt No. 20, where our check-in baggage would be arriving at

The baggage claiming hall in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The first check-in bags from Thai Airways International flight TG 409 from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) arriving at Belt No. 20

The duty-free shop in the baggage claiming hall in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The arrival hall in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The moving passageways by the arrival hall leading up to the departures and check-in area

After we had claimed all our check-in baggage from Belt No. 20, we went into the arrival hall to arrange for a MaxiCab back home. As soon as we were at the MaxiCab counter, we booked for a MaxiCab back home to our house. Upon arranging for a MaxiCab back home, the agent told us that we were to meet the driver at the curbside located by the car parking area in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1. With that, we walked along the moving passageway leading downwards to the pick-up area near the car parking area.

There, a large white MaxiCab pulled up to our standing location. The driver got up and offered to assist us by loading our baggage into the boot of his cab. Once everything was loaded, we left Singapore Changi Airport at 8.30 p.m. for home, eventually arriving back home by nine o' clock later that night.

In summary, I have enjoyed this short vacation in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2013. However, the LIT Hotel Bangkok, though it is a boutique hotel, is a weird hotel with no proper doors for the bathrooms in a guest room. Hopefully, there may be some better hotels in downtown Bangkok. I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed reading this blog report. As always, have a happy and pleasant blogging experience!