TV host Kathryn Thomas reveals terrifying ordeal while working in ‘dangerous’ city

TV presenter Kathryn Thomas has opened up about a terrifying ordeal she endured in one of the world’s most dangerous cities.

During filming for No Frontiers, which aired on RTE for over a decade, Thomas went through an experience that she revealed would ‘stay with her forever.’

Speaking on the Changing Times podcast hosted by Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy, Kathryn revealed the incident occurred in Port Morseby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, which is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world. 

The filming crew, alongside some local tour guides, were on a three-day hike in a remote tribal land, when they encountered a tribal leader, armed with a machete, according to RSVP. 

Kathryn explains “A tribal leader came out and he had a big machete and he was running at us and I just went, ‘oh my god, this is where it’s all going to end’.”

She remembers “In that moment you think, ‘what do I do? Do I run?’, and I still question my reaction because I just put my head down and I closed my eyes. I was frozen with fear, I was rigid with fear. I can still remember when he was shouting and screaming in a language I didn’t understand, all of the spit was hitting my face.”

Kathryn Thomas travelled the world while filming for No Frontiers (via RTE)

Recounting the ordeal, Kathryn said “I thought I would react in a different way, but I knew he had this huge knife and I thought that was the end of us.”

Thankfully, the tour guide who was leading the group was able to negotiate with the tribal leader. The group were able to leave once they handed over any valuable items, such as watches, cash and their water supply.

RTE confirmed that No Frontiers would be coming to an end in 2010, after 13 years on air.