Thank you Rainwalker for this excellent report.

On the subject of special occasion restaurants, I would like to put in a good word for Le Normandie in the Oriental Hotel. It is a beautiful dining room with a lovely view over the river. The food is superb. The service is formal but very friendly when the waiters get to know you. The sommelier remembered my favourite wine on my return visit after a 6 month absence! It is that sort of restaurant. Very expensive but worth it for gourmets and that "special occasion". Look up the Oriental Bangkok website and go to Le Normandie for menus and prices.