A couple of years back I flew BKK-LHR. Just before boarding began a large group (maybe 20?) of monks showed up at the gate. All of them were preboarded before any of the passengers. When I entered the First Class cabin 3 of the monks were already seated in their suites. The rest of the group were seated in business class section on the lower level of the 744.

I didn't have a problem with their flying business or first, but like you I guess it just caught be by surprise.