Zara McDermott Explores Young Brits’ Fascination with Thailand in New BBC Three Documentary

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Three is set to delve into the allure of Thailand for young British travelers in Zara McDermott: Thailand (working title), a compelling new documentary series produced by South Shore Productions.

The three-part series will see Zara McDermott journey across Thailand, from the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the infamous party islands, uncovering why this destination has become a rite of passage for hundreds of thousands of young Brits. With unprecedented access and a dynamic cast of characters, the series will not only celebrate the dreamlike allure of Thailand's nightlife and stunning beaches but also explore what happens when those dreams go awry.

Zara, who has built a reputation for tackling tough social issues in her critically acclaimed BBC documentaries, is excited to uncover the multifaceted reasons that draw so many young people to Thailand. She says, "There's clearly a fascination with the nightlife, parties, and stunning beaches—but there seems to be other intriguing reasons people are going to Thailand and staying."

The series follows the success of Zara's previous documentaries, which resonate strongly with BBC Three's core 16-34 audience. Recent hits, such as Ibiza: Secrets of the Party Island and The Idaho Murders: Trial by TikTok, ranked among BBC Three's top-performing titles in 2024.

Executive Producer Naomi Templeton shares, "We're thrilled to be working with Zara. She will offer a new perspective on the many reasons thousands of young Brits are drawn to explore Thailand every year."

Clare Sillery, BBC's Head of Commissioning for Documentaries, adds, "Zara has an eye-level connection with BBC Three's audience and a keen ability to highlight the stories that matter to them. We're delighted to collaborate with her again on this exploration of a destination that holds a unique appeal for young travelers."

Zara McDermott: Thailand (3 x 45') is produced for BBC Three and iPlayer by South Shore Productions. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, and Nasfim Haque, Head of Content, BBC Three. Fran Baker serves as Commissioning Editor for the BBC, with Andrew Mackenzie, Melanie Leach, and Naomi Templeton as Executive Producers for South Shore.

The series promises an insightful look at both the excitement and challenges faced by young travelers in this iconic destination.