SYDNEY to BANGKOK (SYD-BKK) on Thai Airways A340-600 in first class

I went to the gate when boarding was called in the lounge. Unfortunately boarding was not underway and there seemed to be general confusion amongst the gate agents. Boarding in 5 minutes was announced, several times about 5 minutes apart. There were "lines", one for first business and star alliance gold, and 2 for economy. The lines morphed into a mass of people.

When boarding was eventually underway I was told to wait in the airbridge as the first class cabin wasn't ready yet, but when others in first class walked right onboard I decided to not wait and follow them.

The first class cabin, which earlier in the day was showing F4A3 availability (ie half full) was totally full. A family of 4 had been upgraded and a Thai manager of some kind was also in the cabin. A couple and me filled out the rest of the seats.

Before departure I chose the Dom Perignon 2000 over water or orange juice - I may as well start in the manner I intend to continue for the flight. This was refilled before we left.

At the seat when I boarded was an amenity kit (which seems to have suffered from cost-cutting since my previous Thai first class flights a couple of years ago) and noise cancelling headphones. We were handed the hideous Thai F pajamas and a menu, and offered newspapers or a small selection of magazines.

Despite the late start to boarding we pushed back not very late at all, so I was still confident about the short connection to the next flight.