Troubles in paradise

Zara McDermott exposes the dark side of Thailand in show

- MARK JEFFERIES

TV star Zara McDermott is shining a light on the dark side of Thailand for her latest documentary.

For as well as offering golden beaches, parties and bustling cities, the exotic holiday destination brings drugs, cheap sex and, for some Brits, trouble.

Zara says: "There are many unexplained deaths that happen, or happen as a result of parties or drug use.

"There is something definitely more sinister in the air over there. A place that's supposed to be so free and radiant and beautiful, for it to have that really scary underbelly, it's unnerving."

Here are some of the more shocking aspects to Thailand that Zara uncovers...

BRITISH DADS 'PAY FOR SONS TO LOSE THEIR VIRGINITY'

One of two sex workers Zara speaks to tells her she is doing it for the money but also that British men often pay for their virgin sons to have sex with her.

Zara says: "There's so little opportunity in that country, especially as a woman, to make a living.

"The first sex worker I spoke to, she definitely came across as shed accepted what it was. She felt empowered in what she was doing. I remember her saying, 'I could earn five times less as a chef working all day as I could earn in one night'. So you can see why these women feel that this is their only option to provide for their families.

"But it did make me sad that there's such a lack of opportunity and there is also ample demand for that industry in Thailand as well.

"And, yeah, men are bringing their sons over for their first experiences with a sex worker. That's, um, something you didn't think would actually happen."

MYSTERY AROUND BRITISH BACKPACKER'S BEACH DEATH

British tourist Regan Kelly, 28, from Selsdon, South London, went to Thailand to travel around for a month.

In January he was found dead in the water off Phuket's Patong Beach after going out to celebrate the new year. His family suspect foul play.