Taylor Swift cancels Thailand concert after political unrest
The singer will not be performing in Bangkok due to 'recent events'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Taylor Swift has waded into the political situation in Thailand, cancelling concerts in the country after recent political unrest.
Concert promoter BEC-Tero stated on its website that Swift would no longer be performing in Bangkok on Monday 9 June “due to recent events in Thailand”.
The statement read: “This has been a difficult decision for all parties. Taylor, AEG, BEC-Tero and 13 Management all express regret and sincere apologies to the fans in Thailand.”
Taylor tweeted to her 41 million followers: “I’m sending my love to the fans in Thailand. I’m so sad about the concert being cancelled.”
Last week, Thailand’s army seized power of the country in a coup after months of political turmoil.
In Bangkok, a number of anti-coup demonstrators were injured after clashing with the military in the streets.
The junta has also detained more than 180 activists, academics and journalists, including former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
It is unusual for Swift to comment on politics, having previously said she prefers not to make her own views known.
The singer has remained silent about her political persuasion, telling Rolling Stone magazine in 2008: “I don’t think it’s my job to try and influence people which way they should vote.”
She has also previously tried to dissuade fans from writing about politics on her fansite. In 2012, she wrote on a taylorswift.com forum: “ Just wanted to remind you guys that let’s try to avoid topics and conversations that lean towards political or religious topics.
"In the end, someone will inevitably get offended and this just isn’t the place for that.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments