Last time I flew HKT-BKK, thanks to FT I knew to book on the 744 and try for the first seats. On day of departure we had nothing to do in HKT so arrived about 4 hours early for flight. On check in, I simply asked if we could reserve 2 seats in the front cabin.. the check-in agent said it was fine and we were booked into 2E and 2F.
Although status definately plays a part, as on boarding we were told we had been moved from our seats as some other pax required them. We were moved into 3E and 3F while a 60yo chinese man and his wife settled themselves down in our seats (obviousley ROP *G). I didn't mind though as we were still in the new long-haul F ^