Wake up, work, eat and take naps on your own schedule. Oh, and absolutely and positively no ass kissing when it comes to office politics. Wouldn’t that be the life? Everyone dreams of being an entrepreneur, but few envision the reality of working on their own. The first hurdle is figuring out where to work.

Some people love their home offices. But the question of facilities, design and comfort are a consideration. Do you have a photocopy machine, fax, conference room, hi-speed wifi and a video projector in your flat? Factor in the realities of kids, grumbling grandmas, noisy neighbors and the lack of a defined workspace and chances are you’ll soon be looking for an alternative to the at-home grind.

Venue where you can show up, plug in your laptop and go to work, have become extremely popular in the West. In fact, in some companies an actual assigned workspace has become a thing of the past. Mathieu, 33, a consultant at IBM in the US tells us, “I work from home and then if I need to have a meeting or need an office, I just put on a suit and head to whichever IBM office is closest. Same thing if I’m traveling abroad.” That’s also the case at other big consulting firms where companies realized their staff isn’t even in the office most of the time. Can this stunt be pulled off in Bangkok? The good news is there are places out there—we found them. Now you just need to convince your boss you’ll be more efficient working on the fly than you would be in your cubicle.

The Third Place

Thonglor Soi 10, 02-714-7929. Open daily 9am-10pm.www.thirdplacebangkok.com

The Style: “Our concept is simply to become your third home,” Third Place manager Permsap Kamchan explains about this three-story building in the heart of Bangkok. Its ground floor is an open space where you can organize events, exhibitions or even a mini-concert. There’s also a small restaurant called Ea(s)t at Third Place. Though the décor is not yet 100 percent complete, computer stations and nice couches are all up and ready and there’s a big LCD TV up on one wall. On the first and second floors, there are some retail spaces: a bookstore, a guitar shop and, if you need to relax, a nail and massage service. The members-only third floor is even more impressive. There is a modern office space-cum-living room that will be redecorated every two months. There’s also a wood-roofed terrace

where you can take a rest or organize small parties. There are also two multi-purpose rooms for rent with 42” plasma TVs, LCD projectors and DVD players (with karaoke!)

Facilities: Free wifi, printing (black & white B5/page, color B30/page), fax (B10/page to send, B5/page to receive), photocopier (B1/page) and scanner. Free coffee and snacks for members.You can also grab board games in front of the snack bar to play whenever you feel like it.

The Crowd: Up until now, 200-300 people have applied for membership. Regulars include creative people: graphic designers, interior designers, writers, etc—and a fair share of expats. The best time to come for networking is workday afternoons and evenings.

Membership: B599/month, B3,600/six months and B7,200/year. Members can bring two guests. One-day walk-in fee is B100.

Double A Book Tower (DABT)

122 North Sathorn Rd., 02-236-7575, 02-367-7171.Open daily 10am-10pm. www.thailandbooktower.com

The Style: “It’s not too crowded. I can take a break from my work and go looking for good books here, plus there are electrical outlets everywhere so I don’t have to worry about my notebook battery,” says Chawalit, a regular here. You can opt for textbooks, novels, magazines and comics from more than 800 publishers including Nation Books, Suan Ngern Mee Ma, Matichon Books and Kob Phai. There are three nice spots in the building suited to sitting and working: The Corner, a coffee shop on the first floor, the Food Zone on the seventh floor and meeting rooms for rent on the ninth floor. You’ll have the building

pretty much to yourself during office hours. But in the evening, DABT is full of office workers and high school students from St. Joseph, Bangkok Christian and other nearby schools.

Facilities: Free wifi (see membership, below) is available throughout the building and electrical outlets are available in the Food Zone. For those who want to organize events or arrange proper presentations, there are meeting rooms (small B450/hour, medium B500/hour and large B750/hour), an auditorium (B12,000/day with one microphone) LCD (B3,500/day) and overhead projector (B1,000/day) rentals.

The Crowd: Not really a good place for networking, unless you want to meet entrepreneurs when they are still (very) young. Then again, why not invest in the future?

Membership: No entrance fee. But in order to get a password for all-day free wifi, you have to purchase something—anything, a B3 pen will do.

Cup B

2/F, Lido Theater, Siam Square Soi 3, 02-658-4700/1.Open daily 11am-9pm

The Style: Well, it’s just a coffee shop, but a cozy one. “I’ve been running

coffee shops for seven years, but I never look at them as businesses.To me, these cafes are places for friends to meet.” says B, the owner. If you are a regular at Baan Phra Arthit, its sister branch at Siam Square may feel too young. With sweet graphics on the wall, candy colored chairs and tiny dolls hanging from a chandelier, you’re likely to feel as though you are working in a dollhouse. While this might be less than ideal for some, Pattreeda, a cartoonist, calls it the perfect workplace. “There are fewer distractions than Starbucks, and I feel comfortable sitting here all day.” If you want some privacy, you can discuss business on the outdoor terrace or take a seat on the big sofa in the corner. Staff are friendly and don’t mind if you stay for the whole day.

Facilities: Free wifi for customers.

The Crowd: Since the décor is so…pink, it attracts lots of khun noo and puppy lovers, especially Fri-Sun. Avoid these times if you are single and can’t be bothered with the feeling of love in the air. If you’re working, weekday afternoons are prime time.

Membership: No membership fee. Just make yourself at home.

Banrie Coffee Ekkamai

4 Soi Sukhumvit 63 [Sukhumvit-Ekkamai junction], 02-391-9784/5. Open 24/7. www.banriecoffee.com

The Style: Small plants and trees make the place highly livable, but it is still a bit lacking in charm. This is the 7-11 of office spaces—it even has the same opening hours. You get decent service (overly warm “Banrie coffee Sawasdeeja” from the staff), proper seats and hot coffee.

Non-stop oldies are playing outside, but once you’re inside, it’s another story. “Banrie is a place for everyone; we don’t want to disturb our customers, so we don’t have music in this area,” explains Weerayuth of Banrie Coffee Ekkamai.Thai products are emphasized here. They have a varietyof Thai coffees, ranging from a bitter Asia Bork, a soft and sweet Bangkok Bork Blend and a softly scented Banrie Bork. B70-80/glass or cup.

Facilities: There are many electrical outlets, so working all day long is not a problem. And, after keeping customers waiting for a while, Banrie is now equipped with wifi service from TOT (B200/hour, available 24/7). There’s also an outdoor stage, and one small meeting room with a max capacity of 10 persons. Both are available at no cost, but a donation is appreciated.

The Crowd: The best times to work here are during working hours and (very) late at night. There are some times you may wish to avoid. From 5-6pm onwards it’s occupied by ABAC students. “Leave your seat for a minute and you might lose your place,” Weerayuth warns.

Membership: Banrie is open to everyone but members will get a 10-20 percent discount on food and drinks. Membership card (with five coupons for free cups of coffee) is B490/year.

House Café

3/F, Royal City Avenue, New-Petchburi Rd. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.houserama.com

The Style: Work in a Victorian-styled café, watch indie films at the theater next door, and relieve pent-up stress on the go-cart track. Unfortunately, it’s a bit too far from downtown areas like Silom or Siam Square and the closest MRT is not close enough to make walking practical—you’ll have to drive. Targeted at creative types looking for a quiet space to work, House Café is hidden within the House Rama Theater on the third floor of the same building that houses the UMG movie theater and TOPS supermarket. “Our location is not so convenient, but I don’t think that’s a weak point. On the contrary, it’s a good thing because our customers prefer privacy,” says Boonchu, the owner of the restaurant. “You can spend a whole day here reading a book, working or having meetings with your colleagues.

Launches or other big events are also welcomed. Last month, UBC used House Theater for the Academy Fantasia auditions.”

Facilities: True Hi-Speed internet (B60/hour) and you can grab copies of novels and magazines from its library (with a strong focus on film). Photocopy, fax and printing services are available in a small shop on the first floor.

The Crowd: Indie filmmakers, indie actors, indie singers and indie songwriters, you name it (as long as it’s indie). Boonchu confirms that many regulars are from creative companies. Magazines also use the place when they interviewactors and models. Who knows? The next indie star could be you.

Membership: Sorry, at House, having a membership system would be too mainstream.

True Urban Park

3/F, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8888. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.truecoffee.com

The Style: A lifestyle lounge and communications hub. Check emails or hold video conferences surrounded by special “ergonomics” design while sipping coffee, chillin’ out with your iPod or grooving to bossanova and lounge tunes emanating from the onsite DJ booth. Though the coffee and cocoa menu is so-so, the ambience at True is quite impressive. The book corner offers a good collection of photography

and design books. In the same corner, there is also a fine selection of CDs. “We’ve positioned the True shop as kind of home base—a home office for working people and a place for families to spend time together on weekends,” Kittinut, of True, explains.

Facilities: The main concept of True services is convergence. At True Urban Park, you can do a lot more than just sit behind your laptop: you can shop for iPod accessories, camera accessories, download up-to-date music or even get a flower bouquet for your sweetheart (well, sending flowers is one traditional way to communicate). Wifi is B150/hour, hi-speed internet is B50/hour, and printing services are B20/page. There are no on-site meeting rooms, but True Life at Siam (Siam Square Soi 3, 02-658-4088. Open daily 7am-10pm) has a meeting room available for B500/hour.

The Crowd: Customers at True range from high school students to freelance writers. The place is nearly always busy. So if you want to snag an ergonomic chair with headphones and a web cam, you’ll need to get there early.

Membership: A membership card is B300. You will get three free cups of coffee, a 30 percent discount on coffee, a 10 percent discount on bakery items and a 50 percent discount for use of the True Biz Lounge meeting rooms at True Life Siam and True Coffee United Tower.

Starbucks Thonglor

231 Thonglor Soi 10, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-712-9691. Open daily 7am-10pm (Fri-Sat 7am-11pm). www.starbucks.co.th

The Style: A small house in front of Thonglor Soi 10. Just like other branches of Starbucks, there are jazzy tunes, a newspaper corner and a selection of coffees and baked goods. Unlike most Starbucks, this branch has a separate room with a large desk, library lamps and a bookshelf. “Our customers are mostly office people…followed closely in number by Japanese housewives,” says Patchidaporn,

the store manager. Though no one will stop you from making a lot of noise, it is assumed that everyone comes here to work or read. If you break the rules, you’ll likely get unfriendly looks from the next table.

Facilities: Besides hiso coffee? Wifi internet from KSC and free (but very limited) parking.

The Crowd: Entrepreneurs, executives and corporate types. Anyone who can afford B90-180 for coffee.

Membership: No membership card, but there’s a Starbucks cash card for those who hate paper (from B100).

TCDC

6/F, the Emporium, 02-664-8448. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-10pm. www.tcdc.or.th

The Style:

Who says libraries are boring? As its slogan (“Dance with your imagination and change your life”) suggests, TCDC’s most important mission is to encourage your creativity. “Our specialty is to collect design knowledge and make it attractive to people,” says Chaiyong Ratana-Ung-Goon, TCDC’s managing director. For designers, photographers and other creative types, this place is a dream come true. Ergo design chairs are everywhere, reading lights are eye-friendly and live jazz concerts are held Fri-Sun evening. There are more than 15,000 books, CDs and DVDs along with over 3,500 additional material resources meant to generate creative ideas.

Facilities: A huge library of design-related books, magazines and journals; movie rooms equipped with iPods MP3 players, VCD and DVD players; Mac stations; color photocopy, image scanning and digital photographing services; wifi internet access; touch screen search systems and an exclusive lounge for silver and platinum members.

The Crowd: “Most of our members are students and freelancers: interior designers, fashion designers, graphic designers, web designers, etc. Some of them find Starbucks too noisy so they come here.” Chaiyong explains. This is a great place for networking if you are in art circles.

Membership: You need to be a member to access the library. But the exhibition zone is open to the public. Yearly premium membership is B1,200, silver is B3,000 and platinum is B12,000.

Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park)

8/F, Zone D, Central World, 02-257-4300. Open Tue-Sun 10am-8pm. www.tkpark.or.th

The Style:

Too noisy or too quiet—there are lots of zones for you to choose from. Most of them will surely feel just like home…that is, if you have a family. But there is a very quiet “Quiet Zone.” This is no ordinary library. With over 20,000 books, digital media (e-books and DVDs), IT library, 150 musical instruments, children’s library, H&C coffee shop, an open square and a mini theater, there’s lots more to do than read the paper and work on your laptop.

Facilities: No wifi. But there’s hi-speed internet from CS Loxinfo provided on its computers. A few computers allow you to save files to your flash drive or CDs in the quiet room; the rest are good for searching and surfing only. (What do you expect for B20/hour?) At least it’s located in CentralWorld Plaza so you don’t have to worry about parking.

The Crowd: The place is full of kids, teens and bookworms.

Membership: TK Park is nice to kids and the elderly. For those under 25 and over 59, the fee is B100/year. Ages 26 and up pay B200/year. A one-day pass is B20 (plus B50 deposit.) ■

Out and About

Who: JiabPublic RelationsWhat: When I work, I mostly go to True@Paragon. Their computers have earphones,so I can listen to music while I work. The best thing is probably the wifi. Normally it’s not free, but my company supports the cost, and it’s a big reason I choose True. When it comes to meeting with clients, I prefer restaurants with comfortable corner booths—I don’t need to be connected to the internet 24/7.

Who: Pattreeda PrasanthongCartoonist, a founder of Mamamopang Co., Ltd.What: I visit Cup B at least three times a week, usually in the afternoon. My company is just two blocks away so I can walk here and meet with clients. The atmosphere is nice, and I like to work in a place where others are working too. I don’t like to sit at Starbucks because it’s usually too crowded. Though there’s wifi here, it’s not the most important factor. A friendly atmosphere is more important than wifi.

Who: Kittipong LecturerWhat: I visit True Urban Park three times a week. Usually, I come here after I finish teaching in the afternoon and sit until late evening. Sometimes when I deal with my customers on freelance projects, I meet them here. True has everything I need: electrical outlets, wifi, air-con and the location at Siam Paragon is good.

Who: Ryota SuzukiColumnist at A Day and DDTWhat: I first heard about the Third Place from a newspaper—The Nation, I guess. Since then I have been working here almost every day. I love it here—there’s air-con and nice atmosphere and décor—and it’s easy to get to. I don’t have my own office. And while I can work at home, my house is a mess! Coffee shops would be OK, but I don’t like to risk leaving my things to get up and use the toilet.Who: Chawalit PusitdhikulITWhat: I like Double A Book Tower because it’s close to my children’s school, and because it has wifi and a parking lot. I live nearby and I don’t have to be in my office every day, so I can bring my notebook here and check my email or clear my work while waiting for the kids. Unlike most coffee shops, there are plenty of places where I can plug in my laptop. This might seem like a small detail, but, in fact, it is very important. When I meet clients, I usually go to Starbucks, Au Bon Pain or directly to their offices.

Who: SitthichaiSalesWhat: Usually, I’ll be at the office in the morning, and then sneak out with my notebook and work from here in the afternoon. My boss probably wouldn’t like it if he knew this, but it’s more comfortable to work at House Café. It’s private and the big sofa in the middle of the café is very comfy—perfect for napping.

Wifi’s Big Three (Plus One)

The taste of the coffee served at your favorite hotspot is not the only thing to consider. Without an internet connection, your dreams of a business life on the go are smashed. Choose your provider wisely.

• TRUE WIFI HOTSPOT

What: If you’re a True Move customer, you can get access by sending an SMS with the word “wifi” to 9434. You’ll get one hour of internet use. After that, you’ll be charged B90 an hour. Or you can buy one of those pre-paid cards at any True shop (B150 for 1 hour, B450 for 3 hours and B600 for 5 hours.). You can also buy online (using your credit card) at www.truewifi.net.Where: Siam Paragon, Siam Square, Major Cineplex, Starbucks, Au Bon Pain.Pro: True wifi not only exists in malls, but in areas like Siam, Thonglor and Silom, so you can connect to it from pretty much anywhere in central Bangkok.Con: They know they’re awesome, hence the ridiculously high prices.

• KSC HOTSPOTWhat: True wifi may be available at Starbucks, but KSC is actually their official wifi connection.The easiest way to get access is to buy a pre-paid card from the barista (B150 for 1 hour, B600 for 5 hours and B1,500 for 6 hours). You can also buy online with your credit card at shop.ksc.net—the only way to get hold of unlimited 1-day access at a mere B250.Where: Starbucks.Pro: Their cheap online 1-day deal.Con: They’re not doing what True isn’t already doing.

• AIS HOTSPOT

What: If you are an AIS user, you can register for an AIS wifi account by dialing *8182 and following the voice instructions. For AIS GSM users you can choose between an hourly deal (B100 for 1 hour, B250 for 3 hours) or the pay-per-use option (B2/minute). If an AIS shop is in the vicinity, you can get a free account by calling *182#. For even more options, give them a call at 1175.Where: All AIS shops, The Emporium (Greyhound Café, Kalapapruek), CentralWorld Plaza (near AIS and Serenade outlets), All Seasons Place.Pro: Lots of options, ranging from cheap to free!Con: Limited availability (near AIS shops or outlets).• HUTCH MBIWhat: Why limit yourself to wifi hotspots? Work from a park, beach, BTS seat or dingy back alley thanks to the Hutch MBI (mobile broadband internet) USB Modem. The actual device is B4,900 while membership is B999/month for unlimited usage (visit www.hutch.co.th for details). To connect, just plug the modem in (with the SIM inserted), dial, and online you go.Where: You can connect anywhere, but you can only get the device in Hutch Shops.Pro: Costs for a month what you’d blow on wifi in a few days. And you can now go to a cheap coffee house with no wifi.Con: Hutch coverage isn’t as wide as other mobile networks and the speed is 153kbps.

We Want Wifi

And we want it to be free. Here’s where to get it:

Absolute 7 Bar: 131/42-44 Sukhumvit Soi 7/1, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-651-3919. www.absolute7bar.com.Auntie Anne’s: G/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7533. www.pretzelclub.com.Au Bon Pain: G/F, Siam Discovery, 989 Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0160/1. www.aubonpain.com.Bangkok City Suite: 1 Petchaburi Rd., 02-613-7277. www.bangkokcitysuite.com.The Barbican: 9/4-5 Soi thaniya, Silom Rd., 02-234-3590.www.greatbritishpub.com/barbican.Basilico: 8 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-662-2323. Open Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm and 6-11pm., Fri-Sun 11:30am-11:30pm. www.basilicopizzeria.com.Bourbon Street: 29/4-6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-259-0328/9. www.bourbonstbkk.com.Bug & Bee: 18 Silom Rd., 02-233-8118. www.bugandbee.com.The Bull’s Head: 595/10-11 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-259-4444.Bully’s Pub & Restaurant: Between Sukhumvit Soi 2 and 4, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-656-4609. www.bullysbangkok.com.Café Kaldi: 56 Surawong Rd., 02-637-0411/2. Open daily 9am-1am. www.kaldi.co.th.Camelot: Arnoma Hotel, 99 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-255-3444.www.arnoma.com.Central World Plaza: 4 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-255-9500. www.centralworld.co.thCoffee Society: 12/3 Silom Rd., 02-235-9784. Open 24/7. www.coffeesociety.co.th.Coyote on Convent: Sivadon Bldg., Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-631-2325. www.coyoteonconvent.com.Duke of Wellington: G/F, United Center Bldg., 323 Silom Rd., 02-234-2874.Erawan Bangkok: 494 Ploenchit Rd., 02-250-7777. www.erawan bangkok.com.Fogo Vivo: G/F, B/F, President Tower, 973 Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-0384. www.fogovivo.com.Hu’u: The Ascott Sathorn, Sathorn Rd., 02-676-6677. www.huuinasia.com.Irish X-Change: 1/5 Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-266-7160/1. www.irishxchange.com.The Landmark Hotel: 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404. www.landmarkbangkok.com.Larry’s Dive: 8 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-663-4563. www.larrysdive.com.The Londoner Brew Pub: 591 UBC II Bldg., Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-261-0238/9. www.the-londoner.com.Nai Lert Park Hotel: 2 Wireless Rd., 02-253-0123. www.swissotel.com.Pathumwan Princess Hotel: 444 Phya Thai Rd., 02-216-3700. www.pprincess.com.Q Bar: 34 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-252-3274. www.qbarbangkok.com.Ronny’s New York Pizza: Sukhumvit Soi 4, 02-255-2626.Shangri-La Hotel: 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, 02-236-7777. www.shangri-la.com.Tamarind Café: 27 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-663-7421. www.tamarind-café.com.Tuba: 34/11-12, Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-711-5500.www.design-athome.com.Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel: 259 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-207-8000. www.westingrande.com.Woodstock Bar & Grill: 44 Thonglor 13, 02-715-0202/3. www.woodstockbkk.com.

Tips & Tricks to Help You Close the Deal

1. First impressions are essential, so make sure you look professional. Dress properly, use make-up sparingly and style your hair neatly and conservatively. Unless you are in the fashion business, keep it simple but not outdated. Play it safe. Wear dark colors and choose conservative clothing styles.

2. Use your client’s name as soon and as often as possible. When you are saying his/her name, it shows that you are focusing on the person. It’s also the most effective way to get him/her to hear what you have to say.3. Cultivate a firm handshake; it assures your business partners they are dealing with a confident person.

4. Always keep business cards on hand. Searching your bag in front of your client is never impressive.Buy a cardholder, and use it.

5. Learn body language. Eye contact says you are giving your full attention and a sincere smile says you are pleased to meet the person. Crossed arms may indicate doubt. Keep your eyes open for non-verbal gestures.