Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Sparks Row Tensions Between Thailand & Singapore; Know Why
However, before the beginning of her Southeast Asian act of the tour, Taylor Swift has become a centre of controversy as a row between Singapore and Thailand escalated because of her tour deal.
New Delhi: Taylor Swift has been on her Eras world tour since 2023. Currently in her Australia leg of the tour, the pop sensation is all set to perform at six sold-out shows in Singapore. However, before the beginning of her Southeast Asian act of the tour, Swift has become a centre of controversy as a row between Singapore and Thailand escalated because of her tour deal.
Taylor Swift-Singapore government deal
After her Eras World Tour announcement, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin alleged that the Singapore government had signed a deal with Taylor Swift to ensure that she does not perform anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
Taylor Swift is scheduled to perform in March at Singapore's National Stadium after her most recent appearance in Tokyo. There are 55,000 seats available in the stadium. The event is slated to take place from March 2 through March 9.
Speaking at a business event in Bangkok, the Prime Minister of Thailand expressed his sadness, although acknowledging the enormous fan base of the American singer-songwriter throughout Thailand and the wider Asean region.
Prime Minister Thavisin stated that he has always wondered why Taylor Swift hasn't given a performance in Thailand or any other nearby nation. He revealed that he had heard that the Singaporean government was offering $2–$3 million a show in exchange for island exclusivity.
He said, “If I had known this, I would have brought the shows to Thailand,” adding that “concerts can generate added value for the economy.”
He further remarked, “If she (Taylor Swift) came to Thailand, it would have been cheaper to organise it here, and I believe she would be able to attract more sponsors and tourists to Thailand. Even though we would have to subsidise at least 500m baht, it would be worth it.”
In 2014, there were rumours that Taylor Swift was due to perform at the Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand, before a sold-out crowd. But the programme was abruptly and mysteriously cancelled.
Recently, the Thai prime minister also revealed that he is even more determined to make Thailand a premier concert destination in Southeast Asia as a result of the deal with Singapore.
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