Taylor Swift's $18 million Singapore deal draws flak for excluding other Asian regions

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour disappoints fans in Thailand as exclusivity deal with Singapore prevents performances in ASEAN countries, says PM Thavisin.

Taylor Swift has kicked off her highly-anticipated Singapore leg of the Era's tour. The singer is scheduled for a six-day performance. However, politicians in the Philippines and Thailand are furious over an agreement made by Singapore to limit the singer's Southeast Asian Era's Tour dates. Taylor Swift reportedly receives $3 million (£2.3 million) for every show in Singapore in exchange for not touring the rest of the region.

Singer Taylor Swift performs at her concert for the international "The Eras Tour" in Tokyo, Japan February 7, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon ATTENTION EDITORS - NO COMMERCIAL OR BOOK SALES. NOT FOR USE ON ANY PRINT OR ELECTRONIC MAIN COVER OF MAGAZINES. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (REUTERS)

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, recently opened up about his discussion with the global concert promoter Anschutz Entertainment Group. He mentioned being informed about an agreement that prevents Taylor Swift from holding Eras Tour performances in ASEAN countries.

Taylor Swift's tour causes ASEAN tension over Singapore deal

Currently, the pop icon and 14-time Grammy winner, Taylor Swift, holds considerable influence in the entertainment realm. Following her recent performance in Australia, she is now performing at the National Stadium in Singapore. The stadium boasts a capacity of 55,000 seats. The event is scheduled to run from March 2nd to March 9th.

Taylor Swift fuels tension between ASEAN partners

While noting the huge following of the American singer-songwriter throughout Thailand and the larger Asean area, the PM of Thailand expressed his disappointment while speaking at a business event in Bangkok.

Prime Minister Thavisin expressed his long-standing curiosity as to why Taylor Swift has not performed in Thailand or any neighboring countries. He disclosed that he was informed that the Singapore government offered $2 to $3 million per show in exchange for exclusivity on the island. 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.”

Adding further he 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.”

Taylor Swift’s cancelled show in Thailand

According to reports from 2014, Taylor Swift was said to have had a sold-out show scheduled at the Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. However, the show was abruptly canceled without explanation. In a recent disclosure, the Prime Minister of Thailand emphasized that the agreement with Singapore has strengthened his resolve to develop Thailand into a leading concert destination in Southeast Asia.