![\"Zara](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SEI_265224324-e5ca-e1757759673528.jpg\")
\n\t\tZara McDermott takes on Thailand in her new BBC docu-series (Picture: BBC\/South Shore)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tZara McDermott takes on Thailand in her new BBC docu-series (Picture: BBC\/South Shore)<\/p>\n
Zara McDermott<\/a> has come under fire from some BBC<\/a> viewers unhappy with the depiction of Thailand in her new documentary for the broadcaster.<\/p>\n The TV personality, 28, was in the Southeast Asian country to film her new three-parter on BBC Three, titled Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise.<\/p>\n The docu-series sees McDermott explore the rite-of-passage spot in the hopes of peeling back what lurks beneath the partying.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n However, BBC viewers found the portrayal of the country to be wanting, with many taking to a post of the documentary\u2019s trailer on Instagram<\/a> to express their frustrations over the episodes, all of which are on iPlayer.<\/p>\n The trailer shows McDermott visiting bustling cities like Bangkok<\/a> and island hopping in the limestone scenery made famous by James Bond<\/a>\u2019s The Man with the Golden Gun film.<\/p>\n The clip sees the reality star drinking straight from a bottle at one of the country\u2019s \u2018hedonistic parties\u2019 as well as talking to a man who describes it as \u2018like Benidorm on steroids, cheap, cheerful, full of women\u2019.<\/p>\n To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web \t\t The teaser also touches on the moment the crew were \u2018nearly arrested\u2019 for filming<\/a> in one of Bangkok\u2019s red light districts.\u00a0<\/p>\n Yet underneath the post, one of the most-liked comments said it was a \u2018deeply disappointing\u2019 move from the BBC to make this documentary, describing it as \u2018one-sided and sensationalised\u2019.<\/p>\n \u2018Having lived and worked in Thailand and travelled extensively across the country as a young single woman, I can confidently say that this is an unfair and skewed portrayal of a beautiful nation and its kind, welcoming people,\u2019 wrote @thiharaa97.<\/p>\n \u2018Thailand, a country heavily reliant on tourism<\/a>, deserves more responsible and balanced reporting.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Numerous other watchers echoed this sentiment, with @kelsleigh96x similarly describing the show as \u2018disappointing\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n @nicole.yimmmmm added: \u2018Her documentary on Thailand felt poorly handled. As an Asian viewer, I was repulsed by how judgmental and patronising it is.\u2019<\/p>\n Meanwhile @joedeviggiani described it as an \u2018ignorant portrayal of an entire country\u2019, while @traveling_on_the_go said it was a \u2018narrow and negative perspective on the country\u2019.<\/p>\n They added: \u2018Amazing people, completely safe and the most interesting place I\u2019ve ever been. Feels like a reach for views. Explore the whole country please.\u2019<\/p>\n Metro contacted the BBC and Zara McDermott\u2019s representatives for comment.<\/p>\n Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.<\/p>\n Got a story?<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow
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\n\t\tThe documentary has come under fire for being \u2018patronising\u2019 (Picture: BBC\/South Shore)<\/p>\n![\"TX](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SEI_265224323-0a56.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe trailer shows McDermott visit Bangkok (Picture: BBC\/South Shore)<\/p>\n
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