Taylor Swift Sparks War of Words Between Asian Countries

Taylor Swift is the most popular woman in the world, so it’s no wonder that neighboring countries are bracing for a showdown over one small country’s exclusive rights to her Eras Tour visit. Politicians in the Philippines and Thailand are speaking out against a deal struck by Singapore that limited Swift’s Eras Tour stint in Southeast Asia to the rich city-state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 34-year-old singer, who is now in the middle of a sold-out six-show run in Singapore, has received a grant to play in the country. But this will be her only stop in Southeast Asia. Singaporean authorities apparently struck a pact that prohibited Taylor from playing in other territories in the area, under the assumption that Swifties would be forced to flock to Singapore.

 

 

 

 

The Prime Minister of Thailand, one of the countries slighted by Swift’s one-stop island tour, informed the recently held iBusiness Forum 2024 in Bangkok that the Singaporean government offered Swift up to $3 million per show in exchange for Eras Tour exclusivity.

 

 

Filipino congressman Joey Salceda is also speaking out against the perceived economic injustice. He has requested that his country’s foreign affairs agency oppose the grant awarded to Swift.

He told local media that neighboring governments are supposed to be partners, working together to build the area, and that the agreement Singapore brokered is a painful betrayal. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin termed Singapore’s decision ‘astute,’ adding that he had long questioned why Swift had not played in Thailand.

 

 

‘If she had come to Thailand, it would have been less expensive to organize, and I believe she would have been able to attract more sponsors and tourists,’ he said.

‘Even if we had to subsidize at least 500 million baht ($14 million USD), it would be worthwhile. “If I had known this, I would have brought the concerts to Thailand. Concerts can contribute value to the economy.

 

 

The Singaporean shows are likely to boost the economy. Swift has sold out six nights this month at the National Stadium, which seats 55,000 people. The Singaporean shows are likely to boost the economy. Swift has sold out six nights this month at the National Stadium, which seats 55,000 people.

 

 

Singapore’s tourism board and culture ministry did not reveal the value of the gift, but did mention the economic benefits of Swift’s global concerts.

They said the government collaborated with concert promoter AEG Presents to obtain Swift to play in Singapore.