Following my blog entry on how actions taken by our Minister for Culture Edwin Tong to secure exclusive Taylor Swift performances in Singapore (excluding the rest of Southeast Asia), causing much resentment in the region. When I was still in bed this morning, a reply came as follows:
“Statement on Taylor Swift fiasco by Thai Government Spokesman:
Govt Spokesman Chai Wacharonke:
Regarding an agreement for TS to perform 6 shows exclusively in Singapore, I was present at almost every event where PM Srettha mentioned this issue. So I can confirm that the PM raised it with admiration for Singapore for daring to propose an offer that made TS’ team agree to make Singapore the only stop in the region.
There was nothing in the tone or the meaning behind the PM’s remarks that would convey criticism or jealousy towards Singapore. On the contrary, the PM implied that countries that want to promote tourism should look at Singapore’s strategy as an example. Sadly, some Thai people try so hard to distort the truth, claiming that “the PM made a bad statement, accusing Singapore of spending money to monopolise Taylor Swift shows, forbidding her from performing elsewhere in the region.
The latest development is that Singapore’s minister and PM have come out to clarify that the deal agreed upon with TS’ team came with the terms and conditions as reported. Singapore’s statements were consistent with PM’s Srettha’s remarks that such deal is a normal business deal, and there is no reason for Singapore to feel ashamed or feel that it shouldn’t have done that. Furthermore, Singapore explained that, apart from the financial aspect, Singapore also has other readiness factors that made the female artist’s team agree.
In sum, the PM by all means did not criticize Singapore, but some people are eager to misinterpret and belittle him at any opportunity they get. They distort the meaning of his words and then claim it was what the PM was saying. Really, do they not feel ashamed for trying to fabricate accusations against the leader of the country without caring about possible negative impacts on the feelings of the peoples of both countries?”
I’m not a fan of Taylor Swift, but I can fully understand why those in Thailand are upset. It’s impossible for them not to be upset. I’ll come to PM Srettha’s response that had triggered the controversy later. So who is this Thai government spokesman Chai Wacharonke? Well, he’s a vet and a cockfighting organiser turned politician.
I’m not going to translate the entire video, but suffice to quote him saying that cockfighting is a sport that brings happiness to the people. A normal chicken is only worth about 100 baht. A fighting cock is worth 10,000 times more. Chai believes that people will only see the bad side of things that they don’t like. He points out that the stock market can be used by genuine investors as well as gamblers. The cockfighting arena is likewise a place that can be used for gambling or investment. Ladies and gentleman, Chai Wacharonke.
As for why he made such a statement, I can only guess that he is now trying to fight a fire.
Now, let’s get back to the Thai PM’s original statement on Singapore securing exclusive Taylor Swift concerts in Southeast Asia. The fire starter, so to speak. Unlike the many PLPs out there, I understand Thai and in short, this is what their PM said.
“I also wondered why she’s not coming. I was shocked when I found out… They were shrewd. 500 million baht they paid in total. It’s actually a very small amount. If I had known (that they would try something like this) I could have thrown in an additional 2 million dollars. I’m confident that Thailand will be even better able to bring in tourists. 500 million can help our tourism sector, hotel sector, the BBQ pork stalls by the roadside. We are keen on doing this.”
I can only sense sarcasm and not admiration. Who is distorting the truth?
Some people judge other countries based on their limited personal experiences. Those who think that Thailand can’t host major events should take a look at their time-table for 2024.