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Thailand says Prime Minister Sretta’s remarks about Taylor Swift live shows mustn’t be seen as an expression of ‘jealousy’ towards Singapore

After Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed last month that Singapore had brokered the deal exclusive contract with Taylor Swifta government spokesman said on Tuesday that the prime minister’s comments mustn’t be interpreted as criticism or an expression of jealousy towards Singapore.
In an announcement on Tuesday, a spokesman said ThailandPrime Minister Chai Watcharong’s office said Srettha brought up the subject to “admire and compliment Singapore”.

“Singapore’s proposal was an approach that showed they dared to think and do what was successful in convincing Taylor Swift’s team to agree to an exclusive performance in Singapore, the only country in the region. It has benefited the country,” Chai said in Thai.

Sretta’s remarks at a business conference in Bangkok on February 15 were the first to indicate that monetary incentives had been given to ensure Swift performed anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

He then said that AEG, the organizer of the concert, told him about it Singapore the government offered between $2 million and $3 million per show in exchange for exclusivity, and CNA says that’s closer to the total for all six shows, not each.

A Filipino lawmaker wants Taylor Swift’s Singapore-only concert deal investigated

Legislator in the Philippines he later expressed dissatisfaction with the Singapore deal and reportedly stated that “that’s not what good neighbors do”, leading to media reports focusing on alleged dissatisfaction with Singapore’s actions.
Earlier on Tuesday, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told reporters in Melbourne that he did not see such an agreement “unfriendly” to neighboring countries.

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

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

Explaining Thai Prime Minister Chai’s comments, a government spokesman said on Tuesday: “The tone and meaning utilized by the Prime Minister when [talking] on this issue, they didn’t criticize or express jealousy towards Singapore.”

He noted that Sretta’s comments meant that a rustic that “wants to advertise its tourism should study Singapore’s strategy.” He added that the transaction was “normal business practice” and “there isn’t a reason why Singapore needs to be ashamed of its actions.”

“As Singapore further explained, it was not just about financial incentives, but there were other factors at play in the country as well [Swift’s] the team agrees with the agreement,” Chai said.

“I am sorry that there are people who are trying to jeopardize Sretta’s work. Please stop. There is no reason for us to try to devalue the leader of our country. These actions would likely cause unnecessary dissatisfaction among citizens of both countries.”

Swift has performed three live shows in Singapore up to now, with three more in the approaching days. The final concert is scheduled for Saturday.

This story was first published by CNA
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