Vietnam Insider

Comrade Kimlong Ly (born 28 March 2003) is a young, upcoming rising star, socialist activist from Cambodia currently pursuing his studies in Master’s of International Relations in the United Kingdom. Known among socialist circles for his many writings and strong support of socialist ideals, Kimlong recently shared his views in a recent Ipswich Community Radio interview in the U.K., where he spoke positively about the rapid development of Vietnam.

During the interview, he praised the country’s economic progress, infrastructure expansion, and industrial growth, noting the increasing number of factories and Vietnam’s rising position in global manufacturing. He emphasized what he described as the “strong and stable leadership” of the Communist Party of Vietnam as a key factor behind the nation’s achievements.

Kimlong also highlighted the long-standing traditional friendship between Cambodia and Vietnam, advocating for closer cooperation and solidarity between the two neighboring countries. According to him, a strong Vietnam plays an important role in maintaining stability and prosperity within ASEAN.

Having visited Vietnam more than 20 times, Kimlong expressed confidence that the country will continue to grow into a major economic powerhouse in the near future. He further stated that Vietnam’s historical resilience demonstrates what he believes to be its unbreakable will to defend its sovereignty and socialist orientation.

As a young Cambodian voice studying abroad, Kimlong says he hopes to contribute to stronger regional understanding and enduring friendship between the peoples of both nations.

Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested a luxury car driver and an accomplice following a violent road rage confrontation in the city center, highlighting growing concerns over public order and aggressive behavior in Vietnam’s rapidly expanding urban traffic environment.

Authorities confirmed that Ma Thanh, 49, the driver of a Bentley, and Ngo Duy Dong, 49, were urgently detained on February 12 on allegations of disturbing public order after reportedly chasing and assaulting another motorist following a traffic collision.

Altercation Erupts After Late-Night Collision

Investigators said the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. two days earlier at a busy downtown intersection involving Nguyen Trai and Nguyen Van Trang streets in District 1, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s busiest commercial areas.

According to police findings, Thanh’s Bentley collided with a ride-hailing vehicle driven by a 34-year-old driver, who was transporting a 39-year-old passenger. Both vehicles stopped in the middle of the intersection to resolve the incident, but the situation quickly escalated into a heated argument.

Shortly afterward, Dong arrived at the scene on a motorcycle and allegedly joined Thanh in physically confronting and chasing the passenger. The altercation reportedly caused significant disruption to traffic and public order before traffic police and local officers intervened and restored calm.

Authorities Warn Against Escalating Traffic Disputes

Police said the two suspects’ actions created public disorder and obstructed traffic flow in a high-density area, prompting immediate legal action. The individuals involved were later taken in for questioning as investigators continue to examine the case.

Ho Chi Minh City police noted that many minor traffic incidents in Vietnam escalate unnecessarily when drivers fail to remain calm, sometimes leading to violence or injury. Authorities warned that aggressive behavior following traffic accidents can result in administrative penalties or criminal charges, depending on the severity of the incident.

Officials are urging drivers and residents to handle traffic disputes through lawful and civil channels, particularly as Vietnam’s major cities continue to experience rising traffic volumes alongside rapid economic growth and increased vehicle ownership.

Vietnamese authorities have arrested and extradited two South Korean nationals wanted under Interpol Red Notices, underscoring the country’s growing role in cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

Police in Bac Ninh province, working alongside Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, confirmed they detained the suspects earlier this month before formally handing them over to South Korean authorities at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport.

High-Interest Illegal Lending Scheme

The two suspects — Jo Jungwoo, 27, and Sim Hyeonjoon, 24 — are accused of operating within an illegal private lending network in South Korea that allegedly charged excessively high interest rates.

According to South Korean investigators, Jo served as the chief executive of the illicit financial operation between July 2024 and September 2025, conducting 691 lending transactions with interest rates reaching as high as 49.1%, significantly above legal limits. Authorities allege the scheme generated substantial illegal profits.

Sim, identified as a member of the same lending organization, reportedly carried out 503 lending transactions between February and September 2025, with interest rates ranging from 28% to 49.1%, also violating South Korean financial regulations.

A branch of the Suwon District Court issued arrest warrants for both suspects in November 2025. Interpol subsequently issued international Red Notices in January 2026, enabling global law enforcement agencies to locate and detain them.

Arrest and Extradition in Vietnam

Vietnamese authorities located the suspects in early January after intelligence indicated they were hiding in Dong Nguyen ward, Bac Ninh province, an industrial hub located near Hanoi that hosts large foreign-invested manufacturing zones.

Following coordinated surveillance and investigation, Vietnamese police arrested both individuals on February 8. Officials reported that the suspects later admitted to their criminal activities during questioning.

The two men were formally handed over to South Korean authorities on February 9 at Noi Bai International Airport and were immediately transported back to South Korea to face prosecution.

Strengthening International Law Enforcement Cooperation

The case highlights Vietnam’s expanding cooperation with international policing agencies, particularly in cases involving financial crimes and foreign fugitives. As Vietnam continues to attract foreign investment and expatriate communities, authorities have placed increasing emphasis on cross-border law enforcement collaboration to maintain financial and public security standards.

The swift arrest and extradition also reflect Vietnam’s commitment to international legal norms and its growing integration into global crime-prevention networks.

Hanoi will roll out nine consecutive days of free metro travel during Vietnam’s busiest holiday season, a move aimed at easing congestion, boosting tourism, and encouraging greater use of public transport.

The Hanoi Metro announced that passengers will enjoy 100% free single-trip tickets from February 14 to February 22, 2026, covering the peak travel period surrounding the Lunar New Year (Tet) — Vietnam’s most important annual holiday when millions travel to visit family and celebrate.

Free Travel Across Two Major Metro Lines

The promotion applies to Hanoi’s two operational urban rail routes:

• Cat Linh – Ha Dong Line (Line 2A)

• Nhon – Hanoi Station Line (Line 3.1)

Passengers can access the free tickets through the official Hanoi Metro mobile app or directly at station counters.

The initiative targets both residents and international visitors, as Hanoi typically experiences a surge in domestic tourism, cultural events, and seasonal travel during Tet.

Extended Hours to Handle Holiday Travel Surge

Alongside the free-ticket policy, metro operators will significantly adjust service schedules to match shifting travel demand throughout the holiday period.

Key operational changes include:

• February 13 (Pre-Tet peak travel day)
  Services run from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, with trains every 6 minutes during peak hours and 10–15 minutes during off-peak periods.

• February 14–15 (Two days before New Year’s Eve)
  Operating hours from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with roughly 10-minute intervals.

• February 16 (New Year’s Eve travel surge)
  Extended service from 5:30 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. the following day, supporting late-night shopping and family travel.

• Tet Day (February 17)
  Reduced schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• February 18–19 (Early Tet celebrations)
  Operating hours gradually expand from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• February 20–22 (Return travel period)
  Service runs from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with trains every 10–15 minutes.

Outside the Tet holiday window, metro operations will return to their regular timetable.

Supporting Tourism and Urban Mobility

Hanoi Metro said the free-ride program is designed as a holiday initiative for residents and visitors while reinforcing long-term public transport adoption. Authorities also plan to increase staffing levels across stations and operations centers to maintain safety, assist passengers, and manage higher-than-normal traffic volumes.

The policy reflects Hanoi’s broader push to expand modern urban transit infrastructure, as the capital works to reduce chronic road congestion and improve accessibility for both residents and the growing number of international travelers exploring the city during major cultural festivals.

On February 11, Da Nang City Police announced the arrest of 13 suspects involved in an online fraud ring that allegedly defrauded victims of approximately VND 100 billion (about USD 4 million). The suspects were detained immediately after entering Vietnam from Cambodia to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

According to the Criminal Police Department of Da Nang City Police, authorities successfully dismantled investigation case No. 126L and issued decisions to prosecute and temporarily detain the suspects for “using computer networks, telecommunications networks, and electronic devices to appropriate assets.” The legal actions were approved by the Da Nang People’s Procuracy.

The detained suspects include Duong Van Khoi (34), Pham Tri Nghi (36), Le Van Linh (25), Dao Van Huy (34), Dao Van Hai (29), all from Bac Ninh Province, along with Dao Minh Chien, Vu Truong Giang, Vu Van Nam, Ha Viet Ly, Ong Thi Nhung, Nguyen Van Bac, Bach Van Long, and Ngo Tri Cong. Authorities are continuing to verify background details of several suspects.

Investigators said that in early September 2025, cyber monitoring efforts revealed that the group created multiple fake Vietcombank fan pages under the name “Credit Card Issuance Support – VCB Ngoai Thuong.” They used virtual call center numbers to impersonate bank employees, persuading victims to apply for credit cards and then scamming them out of money.

For example, on September 9, 2025, the suspects allegedly defrauded nearly VND 15 million from a victim in Hoa Xuan Ward, Da Nang. The stolen funds were converted into electronic vouchers, game cards, and electronic devices such as phones and tablets purchased from e-commerce platforms, then resold to legitimize the money.

The group reportedly used virtual call centers and VOIP calling software to hide their identities and avoid detection. After further investigation, authorities formally established case 126L on January 14, 2026.

Police determined that the organization operated as a transnational criminal network led by Nguyen Van Hung, who allegedly managed about 23 members working in a building in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia.

Members were assigned specific roles, including contacting victims, verifying victims’ financial capability and requesting transfers, and withdrawing and distributing funds within Vietnam. The proceeds were divided with 66% allocated to members in Cambodia and 34% to domestic participants, with payments made in USDT cryptocurrency to avoid detection.

Authorities estimate that since early 2025, the ring has defrauded more than 1,200 victims nationwide, totaling approximately VND 100 billion. The Da Nang Criminal Police Department is continuing to expand the investigation and handle related individuals in accordance with the law.

Southern Vietnam’s annual Lunar New Year migration has begun, with heavy congestion reported across major expressways connecting Ho Chi Minh City to central provinces as millions of residents travel home for the country’s most important holiday.

On February 11 — roughly one week before the Lunar New Year celebrations — traffic volumes surged dramatically along key transport corridors leading from Vietnam’s largest economic hub toward coastal and central regions, with several highway sections reduced to near standstill conditions.

Key Expressways Overwhelmed by Holiday Traffic

Severe bottlenecks were recorded along the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thành – Dầu Giây Expressway, particularly near the An Phú interchange and Long Thành junction. Traffic congestion worsened near the connection to the Phan Thiết – Dầu Giây Expressway, where vehicle queues stretched nearly 10 kilometers.

Many travelers reported significantly extended travel times. One motorist traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Đà Nẵng said his family departed at 4 a.m. but remained stuck near Phan Thiết four hours later — a stretch that typically takes around two hours under normal traffic conditions.

Further congestion was reported at toll stations and service areas along the Phan Thiết – Dầu Giây route, approximately 90 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, as vehicle numbers surged unexpectedly.

Traffic Accidents Worsen Delays

Two separate traffic incidents further compounded delays along the northbound corridor.

A minor collision involving a container truck and passenger vehicle at the Phan Thiết interchange partially blocked one lane, forcing traffic to slow significantly. While no injuries were reported, the obstruction created localized gridlock before authorities cleared the scene.

Meanwhile, a sleeper bus traveling northbound collided with a highway median barrier along the Cam Lâm – Vĩnh Hảo Expressway near the Núi Vung tunnel area. The accident blocked part of the roadway and triggered additional traffic backups stretching several kilometers.

Some drivers opted to exit expressways and divert onto National Highway 1 to avoid prolonged delays, though this alternative route also experienced rising congestion levels.

Tet Migration Reflects Vietnam’s Largest Annual Travel Movement

The Lunar New Year (Tết) marks Vietnam’s largest yearly population movement, as millions of workers and urban residents return to their hometowns for family reunions. Ho Chi Minh City, home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest migrant workforces, typically sees a dramatic outbound traffic surge during the weeks leading up to the holiday.

Traffic police warned that accident risks increase sharply during this period due to driver fatigue, overcrowded highways, and long-distance travel under tight holiday schedules.

Authorities have deployed officers to major highway intersections and implemented traffic diversion measures to relieve pressure on expressways and reduce the likelihood of extended gridlock.

Qi Chenjiong

XUN COUNTY, Henan Province, Feb 10 — Lanterns illuminated millennium-old walls Saturday evening as the 18th Central Plains (Hebi) Folk Culture Festival opened in Xun County, transforming this national historical city into a vibrant stage where ancient heritage meets modern celebration.

Under the theme “Xun County: Millennium Shehuo Traditions, New Year Sensations,” the festival showcases 32 distinctive cultural and tourism activities designed to breathe new life into time-honored traditions. The event runs from February 9 to March 4, 2026., coinciding with China’s most important traditional festival period.

The opening ceremony featured a spectacular display of intangible cultural heritage. Along Yunxi Bridge, the ancient art of “Striking Iron Flowers” — where molten iron is struck to create showers of sparks — lit up the night sky like meteors. Traditional Shehuo performances — folk art featuring stilt-walking, bamboo horse dances and lion dances — paraded through the ancient streets, their drumbeats echoing against stone walls that have witnessed centuries of celebration.

A highlight of the evening was the dance recitation “Gugu Spring Comes to Xun,” which incorporated “Ni Gugu,” Xun County’s national intangible cultural heritage. Young performers beat drums while reciting passages from the Book of Songs,  China’s oldest poetry collection, symbolizing the transmission of cultural heritage across generations.

To the stirring strains of “Millennium Shehuo,” the festival’s theme song, Xun County’s premier Shehuo troupe took center stage in a dazzling tribute to folk tradition.

Renowned cultural scholar Shan Jixiang attended the opening, promoting Xun County to global audiences as a destination where visitors can “appreciate intangible cultural heritage, taste authentic cuisine, and experience a genuine Chinese New Year.”

The festival introduces innovative elements alongside tradition. The “Night Tour of Liyang City” offers an immersive theatrical experience where audiences move through the ancient city as performers bring history to life around them. The festival also integrates modern technology, with light installations and digital projections enhancing the ancient architecture. This blend of heritage preservation and modern presentation reflects the festival’s commitment to what organizers describe as “creative transformation and innovative development” of traditional culture.

International visitors have already taken notice. “Today we walk through the ancient city of Xun County, feeling the interweaving of light and shadow on the city walls, listening to the ancient drum music, experiencing the unique craftsmanship of intangible cultural heritage,” one foreign guest remarked, noting the “cultural confidence and development atmosphere of the Central Plains in the new era.”

Once a local temple fair, the Central Plains Folk Culture Festival has evolved into a nationally recognized brand, drawing visitors from across China and beyond. For Xun County, designated as a “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art and Culture,” the Spring Festival represents more than a seasonal celebration—it serves as a living repository of intangible heritage and community identity.

As the festival continues through early March, organizers remain focused on their stated vision: creating beauty, enabling visitors to experience it, and ensuring local communities benefit from it. In Xun County, the past is not preserved behind glass—it parades through the streets, burns bright against the night sky, and passes from one generation to the next.