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Indian Remote Worker Praises Bangkok Clean Air & Peace

An Indian woman living in Bangkok has sparked debate online after explaining why she chose the Thai capital as her base while working remotely. Shreya Mahendru shared an Instagram video describing how clean air, quieter surroundings and safer streets matter more to her than the fast-paced convenience offered in many large cities.

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The video, posted on May 17, 2026, stated that not everyone wants “10-minute delivery services” in life. Instead, she said some people prefer breathable air, safety, clean roads, blue skies, civic sense, remote work, walkable neighbourhoods, bird sounds instead of traffic and days without honking.

Mahendru said these basic aspects of urban life are still treated as luxuries in many Indian cities, although she acknowledged there are some exceptions. In the caption accompanying the video, she wrote that she feels sad these conditions are considered difficult to achieve back home.

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Picture courtesy of NDTV

She also said it would be unfair to place blame solely on governments or citizens, adding that everyone plays a role in shaping urban environments. According to Mahendru, she does not ask for much, but decided to use her remote working lifestyle to pursue these “luxuries” by travelling and changing where she lives.

After visiting multiple cities and countries, she concluded that Bangkok felt like the best home for her lifestyle. Her comments highlighted growing discussions around quality of life, remote work opportunities and the appeal of cities offering cleaner and quieter environments.

The post attracted mixed reactions across social media. Some users supported her views, while others debated whether such comparisons between cities were fair.

One user commented, “How can I manifest that life for myself?” Another wrote, “I understand your concern and respect your perspective.” A third user added, “Thai people are very kind and smile a lot - which is unbeatable.”

The discussion also reflects broader conversations about how remote work is changing lifestyle choices for professionals who are no longer tied to one location. Cities such as Bangkok continue to attract digital workers seeking affordability, convenience and a different pace of life.

NDTV reported that it remains unclear whether Mahendru plans to stay permanently in Thailand, but her post has continued circulating online as users discuss urban living standards, work flexibility and personal wellbeing.

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image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now NDTV 20 May 2026

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Gottfrid Star Member

Gottfrid

Advanced Member

Hell yeah! If you compared to India, almost every country must be heaven on earth. However, coming to Thailand and praising clean air, sounds even a bit far fetch for people from India. TAT must have been grabbing the wallet and proposed an incentive.

Captain Flack Star Member

Captain Flack

Global Moderator

Post breaking forum rules removed.

@ikke1959 just because a post does not meet you opinion does not make it fake news. Rule 17.News articles are collected from recognised sources and may be consolidated or rewritten with AI assistance. Respectful discussion of the article content is welcome. Disrespectful comments about the articles, the use of AI, or the news team (e.g. “clickbait,” “slow news day,” mocking grammar, or AI taunts) are not permitted. Posts breaching this rule will be removed, and posting suspension or account closure may result. If you see an error in an article, please use the report function.

tomazbodner Ruby Member

tomazbodner

Advanced Member

Last couple of weeks Bangkok did have very clean air, but even at its worst, it's usually still better than Delhi on an average day.

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member

Another one of those newbie isn’t Bangkok wonderful posts!

Okay, Mahendru. We don’t have the honking. But we have 10-minute delivery drivers, a pollution season, often lasting months.

Clean roads but no safe sidewalks for pedestrians. Construction dust, car exhaust and truck diesel ramps up air pollution every day.

If you posted that NDTV image as an indication of clean air, kiddo, you need glasses! Look at the whole landscape shrouded in smog!

Yeah, we have some birdsong. I like crows but not that shrieking bird who often goes all night.

The real problem is that there’s precious little green space for a city this size. Growing up in NYC, there were pocket parks every few blocks and recreation places for soccer & basketball.

I walk a few km every day…with earmuffs!

There’s a trick to capture that Thai smile. You have to smile first! Acknowledge everyone you pass with a smile, a nod a look.

From the most humble street-sweeper or doorman to the staff at restaurants. My observation is that it’s only foreigners or hisos who won’t respond with a warm smile.

Everywhere is rosier than the last place until you look more closely.

Myran Gold Member

Myran

Advanced Member

A tumble dryer filled with mud and rocks is clean and peaceful compared to India.

phil2407 Silver Member

phil2407

Advanced Member

So she has the Nomad visa? As for the air quality depending where she lived in India that's a total joke 🤣

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