How to watch 'Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise' on BBC iPlayer — it's *FREE*

(Image credit: BBC)

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Watch 'Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise' for FREE
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"Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise" – a shocking BBC documentary series – is streaming now on BBC iPlayer in the U.K. and making headlines in the tabloid media. Outside the U.K.? TV viewers in the U.S., Canada or Australia have to miss out – we'll show you how to watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere with this VPN.

Former "Love Island" star-turned TV host Zara McDermott travels to Thailand to discover an exotic paradise with two conflicting sides: golden beaches and sinful streets, where Brits abroad pay as little as $30 for sex.

Within 24 hours of arriving McDermott finds herself in trouble with the local Thai cops when local bar owners aren't happy about her filming in Bangkok’s notorious red light district, Soi Cowboy.

From there, it's off to one of Thailand Full Moon parties, where 50,000 pleasure-seekers gather to enjoy sex, drugs and dance music. All three episodes are available to watch now.

Here's our full (and quick) guide to how to watch "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise" on BBC iPlayer...

How to watch 'Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise' U.K. on BBC iPlayer for free

The BBC has exclusive rights to "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise" in the U.K. and episodes 1, 2 and 3 are streaming for free on BBC iPlayer.

To access this you must be from Britain's shores and have a valid TV license. If so, register for your account today.

OUTSIDE THE U.K.? ACCESS iPLAYER FROM ANYWHERE WITH A VPN.

We've used VPN's to watch plenty of TV shows and sport on BBC iPlayer this summer. The quality is brilliant, and worth of watching this new series.

How to watch 'Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise' U.K. on BBC iPlayer from anywhere

BBC iPlayer is free to watch, but is it only broadcasting "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise" for free in the U.K..

Those traveling or working outside the U.K. will need to use a VPN to access BBC iPlayer's free Bangkok documentary stream in the U.S.A and Canada.

There are lots of VPNs but NordVPN is the one you can rely on to unblock BBC iPlayer today...

It's really easy to use a VPN to watch "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise" on BBC iPlayer.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you want to watch the free "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise" stream on iPlayer, choose 'United Kingdom' from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to BBC iPlayer, sign in, and watch the "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise" on iPlayer for free.

'Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise' Q+A

Zara McDermott takes a shot of liquor in a scene from her viral Bangkok documentary series, Thailand: Dark Side of Paradise (2025) — (Image credit: BBC)

What devices can I watch BBC iPlayer on?

Amazon Fire (Tablets, Cube, Stick, TVs)

Android/Google TV (please note: some models aren’t supported)

Android (phone & tablet) - Android 7.0 and above

Apple TV (tvOS 14 or later)

Google TV (Chromecast with Google TV and NVIDIA Shield)

Freely

Freesat (please note: some models aren’t supported)

Freeview Play (TVs and set-top boxes) (some models aren’t supported)

iOS (iPhone & iPad) - iOS 14 and above

LG Smart TVs (2016-2024)

NOW Smart Sticks and Boxes (minimum firmware v11.5.0)

PlayStation (PS4 and PS5)

Roku (Stick & Roku-OS powered TVs, minimum firmware v11.5.0)

Samsung Phones and Smart TVs (2017 and above)

Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck

Virgin Media (360, Stream, TiVo)

YouView (BT, Humax, Sony, TalkTalk)

Xbox (One, Series X, Series S)

Is BBC iPlayer the best way to watch 'Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise'?

As alluded to earlier, the BBC is the only way to watch "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise" (2025).

According to the BBC Annual Report published July 15, "digital consumption of BBC content significantly increased this year [2025] with nearly 10% more requests on BBC iPlayer."

For the best streaming experience, the BBC recommends a 1.5Mbps connection for standard definition and 5Mbps for high definition (HD).

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Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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Jacob is a journalist and editor based in the UK. He began his career at the University of Derby where he achieved a First-Class Honours in Specialist Sports Journalism. He has written articles for Football League World and previously worked at Yeovil Town Football Club. His specialties are all things sport and streaming services.

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