Thailand says PM Srettha’s remarks on Taylor Swift concerts should not be seen as expression of ‘jealousy’ towards Singapore

“Singapore’s proposal was an approach that shows they dared to think and dared to do it, and that successfully made Taylor Swift’s team agree to have the exclusive performance in Singapore, the only country in the region. That has benefited the country,” said Chai in Thai.

Srettha’s remarks, made on February 15 at a business conference in Bangkok, were the first to indicate that monetary incentives had been doled out to make sure Swift would perform nowhere else in Southeast Asia.

“Our agencies negotiated an arrangement with her to come to Singapore and perform, and to make Singapore her only stop in Southeast Asia,” said Lee when asked at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese if the deal had undermined the spirit of cooperation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

“It has turned out to be a very successful arrangement.”

In clarifying the Thai prime minister’s remarks, Chai, the government spokesperson said on Tuesday: “The tone and meaning that the Prime Minister has used when [talking] about this issue, were not to criticise or express jealousy towards Singapore.”

He noted Srettha’s remarks meant that a country that “wishes to promote its tourism should study Singapore’s strategy”. He added that the deal is a “normal business practice” and that there is “no reason why Singapore should be ashamed of its actions”.

02:14

Singapore Taylor Swift concert draws fans from every corner of Southeast Asia

“As Singapore has explained further, it was not just about the financial incentives, but the country also has other factors that made [Swift’s] team agree with the deal,” said Chai.

“I feel sad that there are people who are trying to jeopardise Srettha’s work. Please stop. There’s no