Where to Kill Time

November 21st, 2007

Dear Mr. KIA: Here’s the deal. Yesterday I had an appointment with a friend around Siam. So, OK, I walked around for a bit waiting for her to show up and then she called me and said she would be three hours late! I was so mad because I’d been walking for an hour already and now what was I supposed to do? So I ended up at Starbucks with a cup of overpriced coffee. Just in case this happens again, do you have any suggestion of where I can sit and chill for hours without having to pay for anything? No parks please—they are too hot. Also, it would be even better if the place is near the BTS. Thanks!—Lazy Freeloader

Dear LF: Who do you think all those cafes and coffee shops out there cater to? You, the homeless, the lost, the stood up, the “I don’t have a half-decent pool villa” people who can’t just have their friends drop by
their pad. Who needs frozen coffees and finger cakes at Siam when you’ve got a penthouse? And now you’re saying you don’t even want to pay for coffee? What’s next? Free BK Magazine? OK, listen up
freeloaders, here’s where to head to for total unlimited relaxation in nice cozy air-conditioned rooms.

TCDC is a great place to waste your time. Not only is it free (well the library is free for first timers only), but it’s also educational. You can browse their books, use the internet, or just chill and listen to live jazz music at the Doi Tung café.

Playground! is good for people-watching if you like watching hiso girls and their boos shopping for things they don’t need. On the second floor, if there’s no exhibition, you can lounge on
their gigantic beanbags and watch the rich flaunt their recent purchases. Try not to fall asleep.

Central Chidlom Its constant sales may tempt you with cool things to waste your money on, but if it’s only time you want to waste, then head to the lobby where you can sit and chill surrounded by designer brands.

Style By Toyota is usually filled with Siam kids inbetween tutoring sessions but if you’re not threatened by this, make the best of your time at this three-story IT center. Registration is required, but it’s free.