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Taylor Swift cancels Thailand concert after political unrest

The singer will not be performing in Bangkok due to 'recent events'

Daisy Wyatt
Tuesday 27 May 2014 11:16 BST
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Taylor Swift performs on stage during her 'Red' tour
Taylor Swift performs on stage during her 'Red' tour (Getty Images)

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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.”

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