Singapore has 'done deal so Taylor Swift can't perform in any other countries in southeast Asia'

Thailand's prime minister Srettha Thavisin added that he had long been wondering why Swift had not performed in the country - until the promoter AEG helped him understand more.聽

Friday 16 February 2024 13:07, UK

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Singapore has done a deal to ensure Taylor Swift doesn't perform anywhere else in southeast Asia, Thailand's prime minister has claimed.

Srettha Thavisin said promoter AEG informed him of the agreement that Swift will not do any other The Eras Tour shows in the Association of South East Asian Nations.

Speaking at the iBusiness Forum 2024 in Bangkok, he claimed that he was told the Singapore government offered $2m to $3m (£1.6m to £2.4m) per show in exchange for exclusivity on the island.

Swift has six sold-out shows scheduled in Singapore at the 55,000-seat National Stadium in March.

"The Singapore government is astute," Mr Srettha said. The former property tycoon added that he had long been wondering why Swift had not performed in Thailand and AEG helped him understand more.

"If she 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," he said.

"If I had known this, I would have brought the shows to Thailand," he said in a keynote speech at the forum. "Concerts can generate added value for the economy."

In 2014, Swift had planned a show at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani, but she later cancelled the sold-out concert. No reason was given, but it came after the country's 2014 coup.

Sky News has reached out to the Singapore government, AEG, and Taylor Swift's team for comment.

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