Thailand is making its play to become Southeast Asia’s ultimate entertainment hub, angling to bring megastar concerts, Formula One races and MotoGP events to its shores in a bid to revive its struggling tourism sector. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed on Tuesday that discussions were under way to host such events, responding to news that chart-topping US singer Lady Gaga had confirmed four exclusive performances at Singapore’s National Stadium in May. “We too have a task force responsible for bringing international events to Thailand,” Sorawong said, adding that the Tourism Authority of Thailand planned to present a formal plan to the cabinet next month. “There is a chance that these world-class artists will hold a concert in Thailand, as talks are already under way with their agencies,” he said, according to local newspaper The Nation. Singapore continues to dominate the regional events stage. Lady Gaga’s concerts in the city state will be her only Asian stop on this year’s tour and last year, Singapore scored another major coup by securing Taylor Swift for six shows, reportedly striking a US$2 million to US$3 million deal with the pop superstar. The exclusivity provoked regional envy, including criticism from Thailand’s then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who later clarified that his comments were meant to “admire and compliment Singapore” for its bold approach. “Singapore’s proposal was an approach that shows they dared to think and dared to do it,” Srethha’s spokesman, Chai Watcharong, said at the time. “That has benefited the country.” Tourism in the driver’s seat Tourism is a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, contributing 12 per cent of gross domestic product and employing over 20 per cent of the country’s workforce, according to the central bank. But the Covid-19 pandemic dealt the sector a crushing blow that it is still trying to recover from, with the economy growing just 2.5 per cent last year – half the pace of neighbouring Indonesia. To reclaim its position as a tourism powerhouse, Thailand is not stopping at pop superstars. The nation is also eyeing high-octane motorsports. Thailand has hosted MotoGP races at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram for the past seven years, but the contract with Dorna Sports, the event organiser, is set to expire next year, creating uncertainty. Newin Chidchob, president of the Chang International Circuit, recently criticised the government for prioritising Formula One over MotoGP, arguing that local demand for motorcycle racing was far greater. Sorawong, however, maintained that both events could coexist. “The government realises that the MotoGP races benefit the country, but one should not compare it with events like Formula One in terms of profits,” he said, as quoted by The Nation. “It would be ideal if Thailand could host both events, and we certainly are ready to do so.” The idea of hosting a Formula One race in Thailand has been years in the making. Last year, then-prime minister Srettha pitched the concept as a way to boost tourism and elevate Thailand’s global profile. His successor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has since carried the torch, with state agencies reportedly evaluating potential routes and logistical challenges for a Bangkok Grand Prix. One proposal has zeroed in on the Chatuchak area of the capital as a potential race route, according to reports. Additional reporting by Bloomberg