I flew business class to Bangkok for the price of premium economy - here's how

I have to confess - I'm not one to plan a holiday a year or even a few months in advance, with carefully constructed schedules or days planned out by the hour. Usually, a few weeks before a trip I'll jump online, find a reasonably priced flight and away I go, figuring out accommodation, transfers and what I'll do quite literally on the fly. I'd like to admit this Euro summer jaunt from Melbourne via Bangkok was different. But, of course, it wasn't. A week before I flew I booked a Royal Silk business class ticket with Thai Airways. Known for its "smooth as silk" service, it certainly lived up to the catch-cry. I'm aboard the daily Melbourne to Bangkok flight on the Airbus A350-900 and the business class section on board this national carrier is full.

CHECKING IN: I arrive at Melbourne Airport mid-morning after catching the V/Line train from Warrnambool and then the SkyBus from the dark and smelly Southern Cross Station - how glamorous. I can check in two 32kg bags but travelling with just a carry-on suitcase. I cruise into the airport and then smugly step into the business class aisle without any waiting. Checking in is a breeze and before I know it I'm in the lounge enjoying some fresh fruit and an espresso.

THE FLIGHT: Beautifully dressed flight attendants in Thai silk uniform greet me as I step onto the plane and then once I've stowed my luggage they settle me in for the 9.5-hour flight with a glass of champagne. I'm on a Thursday 1.30pm flight, so I'm handed an in-flight menu which has lunch and breakfast offerings. We leave (and arrive) on time and the vibrantly appointed aircraft is modern, draped in purple furnishings.

THE CLASS: Thai's Royal Silk business class pulls out all the stops. My window seat is private and offers perfect storage options within the seat spot to stow everything I need at my fingertips. Well-fitting Marshall headphones cancel out noise inside the cabin and the seat is comfy. There's plenty of room for me to fully lie down and I comfortably sleep for a few hours. The Jim Thompson amenity kit includes a hair brush, toothpaste and brush, socks, eye mask, hand cream and lip balm all in a nifty carry case. The toilets are kept fresh throughout the flight and the addition of slippers is much appreciated.

FOOD AND DRINK: The three-course lunch menu is expansive. I inform the flight attendant of my forever annoying seafood allergy and it's no bother. The amuse bouche, which was meant to be a smoked salmon roll with pickled red radish is swapped out for beef bresaola with semi-dried tomatoes and truffle mayonnaise. The menu offers authentic Thai cuisine as well as western options. After a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne I opt for the braised beef cheeks with Bordelaise sauce, which is served with mash potato, roasted shallots and blanched broccolini. It's divine and the meat is fall-apart tender. At breakfast time I opt for the traditional dish - barbecue pork with salted egg fried rice.