Thai Airways Phasing Out First Class in Favor of Upgraded Business

Updated: September 11, 2025, 10:35am CDT

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Thai Airways Discontinues First Class
Final Thoughts

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Thai Airways is preparing to phase out first-class service entirely. Within the next few years, the airline will scrap its most premium cabin and focus on an upgraded business class product as part of a broader fleet and service overhaul.

Here’s a closer look at what this shift means for Thai Airways and its passengers.

Thai Airways Discontinues First Class

Thai Airways is joining the growing list of global airlines that are saying goodbye to first class. Within the next 2 to 3 years, the flag carrier of Thailand plans to eliminate its top-tier cabin entirely, instead doubling down on a more luxurious business class offering.

Thai Airways Boeing 747 - First Class — Thai Airways’ first class, set to be retired in the next few years. Image Credit: Cherag Dubash

The change, confirmed by local news source Khaosod, comes as Thai Airways completes its restructuring and returns to financial stability. Now publicly traded again on the Thai Stock Exchange, the airline is investing in modernizing its fleet and upgrading the passenger experience across all cabins.

CEO Chai Eamsiri explained that the airline will transition to a standardized 3-class model — Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy — bringing Thai in line with carriers like American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Air New Zealand, which have already phased out first class.

Currently, Thai Airways operates first class on just a handful of routes, such as Bangkok to both London and Tokyo Narita, using a small fleet of Boeing 777s. Thai Airways’ first class, known for a spacious layout and elevated dining experience, will disappear as the fleet is refurbished.

Instead, passengers will find upgraded business class “Royal Silk” seats with more privacy, enhanced inflight entertainment, and a front-row section designed to provide a more premium experience without the first class price tag.

Thai Royal Silk business class seat — Thai Airways plans to eliminate first class and focus on upgrading its existing “Royal Silk” business class. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

By 2033, the airline aims to operate 150 aircraft, up from today’s 78, with a consistent 3-class setup across the fleet.

Hot Tip:

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying Thai Airways first class, time is running out. Award availability is already limited, and with only a handful of aircraft still offering the product, opportunities are disappearing fast. For example, you can book the London (LHR) to Bangkok (BKK) route — an 11+ hour flight — for as low as 100,000 Aeroplan points. If this experience is on your bucket list, it’s worth locking in your award ticket soon for one of the world’s best first class seats.

Final Thoughts

Thai Airways’ move to phase out first class follows a broader industry trend. More travelers are choosing modern business class cabins, which now deliver nearly the same comfort and privacy at a fraction of the price.

Though it ends an era for Thai Airways’ most exclusive seats, the move keeps the airline competitive and offers passengers a more consistent, upgraded experience.