The Thai Airways Transformation: 787 vs. A320 Economy Review

Is the Thai Airways turnaround finally delivering a world-class experience, or is it just clever marketing? In this full trip report and flight review, I compare two very different economy class experiences—the Boeing 787-8 and the refurbished Airbus A320—to see if the "New Thai" is finally finding its footing. From the surprisingly comfortable widebody seats to a 10/10 Pad Thai collaboration with Thipsamai, this is the most honest look at Thailand’s national carrier as it simplifies its fleet and reclaims its identity in 2026. 📍 SUPPORT INDEPENDENT REVIEWS -This channel is 100% self-funded. Help me keep these reviews honest and get a host of travel tips, tricks, and advice on my Patreon: https://www.bit.ly/tfft_patreon -Shop My Amazon Page → https://www.amazon.com/shop/theflipfloptraveller In this video, I dive into the massive restructuring that has seen Thai Airways move away from its "collector’s edition" fleet of the past toward a streamlined, disciplined future. While the airline was once a complex mix of 747s and A380s, the current focus is on consistency and core markets. We explore the 787-8 experience from Bangkok to Singapore, featuring locally relevant upholstery and impressive legroom, before switching to the retrofitted A320 bound for Kuala Lumpur. I’ll walk you through the entire regional experience: why 9 times out of 10 an older refurbished seat is more comfortable than a new one, the reality of the Royal Silk lounge for Star Alliance Gold members, and the "efficient and kind" service that has long been a Thai hallmark. Most importantly, I’ll show you a new catering direction that includes what might be the best short-haul economy meal I’ve ever had. Has Thai Airways finally moved past its erratic history to become a top-tier regional choice? In this video: -Fleet Focus: Analyzing the shift from aircraft "accumulation" to a disciplined order of 45 new Boeing 787s. -Widebody vs. Narrowbody: Comparing the onboard comfort of the long-haul 787-8 against the refurbished regional A320. -Catering Diagnostics: Reviewing a 10/10 Pad Thai collaboration with Thipsamai that sets a new standard for economy meals. -The Reintegration: How the folding of Thai Smile back into the mainline operation is changing the regional product for the better. -Operational Consistency: Why the "fluorescent" interiors and last-minute aircraft swaps of the past are being replaced by a more predictable service. Video Chapters: 00:00 Thai Airways Turnaround Strategy 00:20 Flight Planning and Route Comparison 00:48 Royal Silk Lounge Access 01:02 History and Identity of Thai Airways 02:04 Financial and Structural Challenges 02:31 Historical Fleet Complexity 03:04 The Thai Smile Era Explained 03:33 Retrofitting the A320 Fleet 04:01 Widebody Fleet Modernization 04:14 Boeing 787 Fleet Future 04:50 Boeing 787 Economy Cabin Experience 05:42 A320 Economy Cabin Review 06:27 Comfort Comparison: 787 vs A320 08:22 Economy Dining: First Meal Review 08:53 Best Short-Haul Economy Meal Ever 09:44 Onboard Service Standards 10:04 Evolution of Thai Economy Class 13:02 Future Content and Conclusion Airline: Thai Airways Route: Bangkok (BKK) to Singapore (SIN) & Kuala Lumpur (KUL) Class of Service: Economy Class Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 / Airbus A320 Full Ticket Routing: BKK-SIN (TG), BKK-KUL (TG) 🙋🏼‍♂️ All About The Channel & Me: https://bit.ly/tfft_welcome 🌍 My VENMO Tip Jar: @kevin_tfft 📽️ My Next 5 Videos 23 May: Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class 28 May: 17 Hours on Air India. Yay. 04 Jun: Long Haul, Narrow Body on Iberia 06 Jun: Lotsa Disappointment on ITA Airways 11 Jun: Never Say Never. Let's Try Gulf Air Again This is NOT a promotional video. I pay for all of my flights and hotels (and I always tell you how much!) so I can be as honest and impartial as possible. I do not receive any special treatment that wouldn’t otherwise be publicly accessible, in fact, the hotels and airlines have no idea about my visit and that's the way I like it! #ThaiAirways #FlightReview #SelfFunded