Just last year True opened its first Truelife cafe at the backpacker hub, Khaosan Road. The concept of “sip and surf” is a fast-growing trend and these cafes are multiplying accordingly. In fact, True’s third outlet has already popped up.

Set to be a new hip hangout on the trendy soi, Truelife@Thonglor (137 Thonglor Soi 10. Open daily 7am-midnight, 02-713-8605) stands out stylishly in its all-white building. While the Paragon branch opts for pub-like décor with dark wood accents, the new outlet is bright and roomy with high ceilings and louvered walls. “The décor concept is designed to suit the taste of Thonglor frequenters, most of whom are young professionals and fresh graduates. So we’d like this outlet to be fresh and modern,” says manager Supakit Preechavetayakul.

As you would expect from any internet cafe, Truelife@Thonglor offers up to 4Mbps hi-speed access (B40/hour). There are 11 computers downstairs and another 27 on the second floor. One corner is dedicated to the ICT Counter, which showcases the latest mobile phones and MP3 players. And yes, like any True shop, you can pay your mobile phone and UBC bills here.

What sets this outlet apart is its “music community.” In collaboration with renowned songwriter Boyd Kosiyapong, Truelife@Thonglor allows customers to download songs from the album Rhythm&Boyd E1EVEN1H for free. Bossanova tracks from Kunksanova, a compilation release produced by Groove Riders guitarist, Kunk, are also exclusively available for download here. “The service isn’t limited to True Move clients. Every customer visiting the cafe can enjoy downloading their favorite songs,” says Supakit. “In addition to the two albums, we also have other tons of other songs available for download at Trueworld.net for B40 a song.”

Served up alongside the music are Italian dishes from Spicchio. The best-selling items are black spaghetti with prawns (B135) and beef brisket stew with mashed potato and vegetables (B130), which taste quite pleasant considering that they are microwave food. A selection of cakes and low-fat ice cream is also on offer for you to nibble at while sipping at True drinks. Try Caramel Macchiato (B60, B85), Green Tea Twist Cream (B75, B90), or a fruit smoothie (B75). They also have delivery service for those working on the soi, but you have to pay the motorcyclist yourself.

Easy-listening songs from a playlist of Love Is artists make up the background music, while every Friday and Saturday night from 9:30pm to 1am, the place turns into a live music venue. Various bands, both renowned and rookie, take turns churning out jazz, funk and soul tunes. “For September, we’ve invited artists like Crescendo and Monotone to perform. Starting next month, we are arranging auditions where aspiring bands can compete for a chance to play at our cafe,” says Supakit.

Internet, technology, coffee and music—sounds like a perfect cocktail mixed up by Truelife@Thonglor.