TREASURES of Thailand

SUE PERKINS on exploring the wonders of the Southeast Asian country

- REBECCA MAHONEY, VICTORIA WILSON

SUE PERKINS: LOST IN THAILAND FRIDAY, 9PM, CHANNEL 5 TRAVELOGUE 

With its exquisite beaches and relaxing rural retreats, there’s little wonder that Thailand is a much-desired holiday destination. But there’s no time to unwind for intrepid adventurer Sue Perkins, who’s heading to Southeast Asia in her latest travelogue to give us a ‘different perspective’ on the country’s culture, landscapes, people and wildlife.

The Channel 5 series explores three of Thailand’s magical regions – Chiang Mai, Phuket and Bangkok – and Sue gets off to a flying start in the Thai highlands when she bravely abseils 230ft deep into a cave in the Khun Tan mountain range.

The first episode also follows the presenter as she joins in with a traditional longboat race on the Nan River, tries her hand at weaving with the Palong Hill Tribe in Chiang Dao, heads to a women’s prison for a Thai massage, and experiences a ‘peak-life moment’ at a sanctuary for elephants rescued from tourist and logging trades.

TV Times caught up with globe-trotting comedian Sue, 54 via video link to find out more about Lost in Thailand…

Hi, Sue! Was this your first experience of Thailand? 

I nipped into Thailand for the day while filming a [2014] BBC show on the Mekong River, and I just remember eating very spicy, magical food while overlooking a lake that was throbbing with mosquitoes. That may well be where I got dengue fever!

I think what surprised me on this trip, though, is that I thought it would be more westernised. But it’s maintained so many of its traditions and the people are wonderful. It’s such an easy, friendly, fun place to visit.