Vietnam Insider

Dapale Alkesh Kashinath, 28, an Indian national, has been sentenced to seven years in prison and fined VND 50 million ($2,000) by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court for illegally transporting 362 diamonds valued at nearly VND 8.5 billion ($330,000) into Vietnam.

Kashinath, who worked for Sun Rays Company in Mumbai, admitted that under instructions from company owner Pratik Kirit Mehta, he had carried diamonds into Vietnam multiple times since 2017, earning about 10,000 Rupees ($120) per trip.

On October 25, 2024, he transported 350 diamonds from India to Hong Kong, received 12 more, and entered Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat International Airport without declaring them to customs.

Police and customs officers discovered 15 plastic bags of natural diamonds hidden inside two candy boxes in his luggage. Experts later confirmed their value at nearly VND 8.5 billion.

Authorities said Kashinath had smuggled diamonds into Vietnam on at least six or seven occasions before his arrest, delivering them to clients whose identities remain unknown.

At trial, Kashinath admitted following his employer’s orders and pleaded for a fine instead of prison, citing over a year in detention. However, the court rejected the request, noting he had no verified assets in Vietnam.

A 49-year-old man in Ha Tinh, Vietnam, went into sudden cardiac arrest while playing pickleball but was successfully revived thanks to timely CPR and rapid intervention by doctors.

According to Ha Tinh General Hospital, the patient, identified as N.M.T., from Thanh Sen Ward, collapsed on August 26 during a pickleball game. Witnesses immediately performed chest compressions and called for emergency assistance.

On the way to the hospital, CPR was continued nonstop. Upon arrival, doctors performed chest compressions, manual ventilation, intubation, and repeated defibrillation. After 15 minutes of intensive resuscitation, the patient’s heartbeat was restored.

Doctors diagnosed him with a myocardial infarction (heart attack). He was treated with emergency coronary stenting, continuous blood filtration, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor therapy. To optimize care, specialists at Ha Tinh General Hospital connected via Tele-ICU with Hanoi Medical University Hospital’s emergency and intensive care unit.

After nine days of intensive treatment, the patient made a full recovery and is expected to be discharged soon.

Dr. Nguyen Viet Hai, Head of Intensive Care at Ha Tinh General Hospital, stressed that the key to survival was immediate CPR on-site and continuous resuscitation during transport, which preserved brain function until advanced hospital treatment could be administered.

This case highlights the importance of early response, effective CPR, and multidisciplinary cooperation in saving patients from sudden cardiac arrest.

A luxury yacht worth over $1 million (25 billion VND) sank just 15 minutes after being launched off the coast of Turkey, forcing all passengers to jump into the sea for safety.

The yacht, named Dolce Vento (“Sweet Wind”), capsized during its maiden voyage near Zonguldak, northern Turkey. Dramatic footage shows the 25-meter yacht gliding smoothly before tilting sharply to one side and sinking, quickly going viral across social media platforms.

This was the yacht’s first trip after being delivered to its new owner in Istanbul. Onboard were the owner, captain, and two crew members, all of whom managed to swim safely to shore. The Turkish Coast Guard and port rescue teams later set up a security perimeter around the wreck.

Clips of the incident have racked up thousands of views online, sparking jokes and speculation. One user quipped, “Does it come with a submarine mode?” while another added, “An expensive way to test a life jacket.”

Experts, however, suggested the yacht’s top-heavy design may have compromised stability. “The excessive weight above the deck likely lowered the vessel’s center of gravity, reducing stability and causing it to capsize immediately after launch,” one commentator noted.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause, and the yacht will be examined for technical flaws.

Da Nang – Police have arrested Trần Văn Tiên (36), the suspected ringleader of a robbery gang, while he was fleeing to Ho Chi Minh City after a series of street thefts during Vietnam’s National Day holiday.

On the evening of September 4, Da Nang Police announced they had dismantled a group specializing in snatching valuables from tourists and locals in busy tourist areas during the September 2 holiday. Tiên was caught on a passenger bus heading south, while his accomplices, Đỗ Phương Thạch (29) and Lê Văn Thái Nguyên (23), were later arrested in Da Nang.

Robberies targeting foreign tourists and locals

• August 28: The gang snatched a handbag from Kang Pol Yong, a 53-year-old South Korean national, containing USD 1,500, VND 15 million, and 30,000 won.

• August 31: They stole a bag from Đinh Thị T. (32, from Ho Chi Minh City) containing VND 8.3 million and personal documents.

• September 1: The group robbed Gulsim Bissenova, a 54-year-old Kazakh tourist, of a smartphone worth VND 18 million, USD 100, 250,000 VND, 10,000 tenge, and personal papers.

The suspects reportedly sold stolen foreign currency at gold shops and spent the money for personal use.

Police action
Investigators identified Tiên as the gang leader. He and Thạch both have prior criminal records for robbery. Authorities have seized two motorbikes, a mobile phone, foreign currency, and related documents as evidence.

Da Nang Police confirmed all three suspects are in custody and the case is under further investigation.

Hanoi – From September 3, millions of students across Vietnam will benefit from tuition exemptions and reductions under Government Decree 238, which expands support for learners in public and private institutions.

14 Groups Fully Exempted from Tuition Fees

According to the new regulation, tuition exemptions will apply to the following:

• Preschool children, public school students, and continuing education learners at secondary and high school levels.

• Individuals entitled to preferential policies under the Ordinance on Persons with Meritorious Services to the Revolution.

• Students with disabilities.

• Youth aged 16–22 pursuing their first university degree while receiving social allowances.

• Orphans with no family support enrolled in intermediate or college programs.

• Quota-based admission students, including vocational learners in boarding schools with courses lasting three months or more.

• Students in preparatory universities and preparatory faculties.

• Ethnic minority students whose parents or grandparents are from poor or near-poor households.

• University students majoring in Marxism–Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought.

• Postgraduate students in specialized medical fields such as psychiatry, pathology, forensics, infectious diseases, and emergency medicine at public institutions.

• Students from extremely small ethnic groups in disadvantaged or special hardship areas.

• Learners under government-funded projects and programs.

• Graduates of lower secondary schools continuing to intermediate-level education.

• Students in hard-to-recruit but socially necessary fields, or in programs serving socio-economic development, national defense, and security.

Groups Eligible for Tuition Reductions

Decree 238 also provides tuition fee reductions:

• 70% reduction: Students in traditional and unique arts such as “Đờn ca tài tử,” “ca trù,” “bài chòi,” folk opera, tuồng, chèo, cải lương, court music, traditional instruments, dance, and circus; as well as students in hazardous or physically demanding professions; and ethnic minority students (except extremely small groups) residing in highly disadvantaged areas.

• 50% reduction: Students whose parents are receiving regular allowances due to occupational accidents or diseases.

Tuition Support for Private Institutions

For the first time, tuition support will also extend to preschool and general education students in non-public schools, as well as postgraduate students in special medical fields at private institutions.

With Decree 238, Vietnam aims to ease the financial burden on families, ensure greater access to education, and encourage students to pursue critical fields that serve both social needs and national development.

Authorities in Quảng Ngãi have fined two 17-year-olds and confiscated their motorbike after they performed the trending “Aura Farming” dance on the road, causing outrage on social media and raising concerns about traffic safety.

Viral TikTok Stunt on the Streets of Quảng Ngãi

On August 29, the Quảng Ngãi Traffic Police reported that a video circulating online showed a teenager recklessly riding a motorbike on Hùng Vương Street, Nghĩa Lộ Ward, at high speed. Shockingly, the rider let go of both hands, stood on the vehicle, and danced to the viral TikTok trend “Aura Farming.”

The video also revealed that the teenager was carrying another passenger, and neither wore helmets. The dangerous stunt quickly spread online, sparking criticism from netizens.

Police Action: Fines and Vehicle Confiscation

The two teenagers were identified as N.Q.M. (17, from Long Phụng) and N.T.T.T. (17, from Vệ Giang). At the police station, both admitted that they acted out of excitement and wanted to impress friends on social media.

Traffic police confirmed multiple violations, including:

• Riding without holding the handlebars

• Not wearing helmets

• Carrying a passenger without a helmet

• Operating a motorbike without meeting legal conditions

As a result, authorities issued a fine of 6 million VND and ordered the confiscation of the motorbike. Families were also urged to better supervise and educate their children to prevent similar incidents.

The “Aura Farming” Trend and Its Risks

The “Aura Farming” dance originated in 2024 from a video of a boy dancing on a racing boat, quickly becoming a global TikTok sensation. While entertaining in controlled environments, many young people have dangerously imitated the trend in public spaces, including busy roads.

Quảng Ngãi Police strongly warned that performing such stunts in traffic poses a serious risk of accidents not only for those involved but also for others on the road. They emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, adherence to traffic laws, and avoiding reckless actions for online attention.

During Vietnam’s grand National Day celebrations on September 2, broadcast live from historic Ba Dinh Square, one figure captured the attention and admiration of viewers across the country — Lieutenant General, pilot, and national hero Phạm Tuân.

As General Secretary Tô Lâm delivered his opening speech, cameras also showed Phạm Tuân seated on the grandstand, attentively following the ceremony. For many young people, it was a moving sight: the real-life “Uncle Phạm Tuân” they once studied about in schoolbooks, now appearing in person on television, decorated with medals of honor.

Phạm Tuân is remembered as the first pilot to shoot down a U.S. B-52 bomber and return safely during the resistance war against America. He later became the first Asian to travel into space and the first Vietnamese to be awarded the title “Hero” three times.

At 78, Phạm Tuân still impresses with his composure, health, and dignified presence. His appearance during the parade quickly went viral on social media, where countless netizens expressed pride, admiration, and deep respect.

Viewer reactions included:

• “Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân is a living legend of the Air Defense – Air Force. Being honored as a Hero three times is truly admirable.”

• “I remember seeing his photos in textbooks. Watching him today on TV, still strong and healthy, makes me emotional.”

• “The aura of a true hero of the People’s Armed Forces — both approachable and commanding.”

• “He is almost like a role model for everyone interested in Vietnam’s military history, especially air defense. Truly inspiring.”

For many, this televised moment was not only a tribute to one man but also a reminder of Vietnam’s resilience, history, and pride.

A woman in Hoa Xuan Ward, Da Nang, was violently shoved to the ground and robbed of a backpack containing VND 45 million (around USD 1,800) while standing outside a local eatery. Police quickly tracked down and apprehended the suspect.

According to the Da Nang City Police, on the evening of August 30, around 8:20 p.m., Ms. T.K.T. (43, residing on Phan Boi Street, Hoa Xuan Ward) had just closed her eatery and placed a black backpack with VND 45 million inside the trunk of her Air Blade motorbike. She accidentally left the key in the ignition.

While she stood nearby scrolling her phone, a young man suddenly approached, shoved her to the ground, opened the bike’s trunk, grabbed the backpack, and fled toward National Highway 1.

Police immediately launched an investigation and identified Tran Nhu Anh (32, from Xuan Phu, Da Nang) as the suspect. He was summoned for questioning on September 1.

At the station, Anh admitted to the robbery, saying he needed money for personal expenses. After stealing the backpack, he went to a vacant lot at the Nguyen Van Vinh – Au Duong Lan intersection, took the cash, and abandoned the bag.

Police recovered evidence including a motorbike, a mobile phone, the victim’s personal documents, and VND 6.5 million in cash — far less than the original amount.

The case remains under further investigation.

For ten days leading up to Vietnam’s 80th National Day military parade in Ba Dinh Square, a 40-year-old swimming coach named Dau Thi Thang became a familiar figure on the streets of Hanoi. Armed with nothing but a whistle and large plastic bags, she tirelessly collected trash and encouraged spectators to keep the capital clean.

From inspiration to action

Thang said the idea came to her after witnessing piles of litter left behind during a rehearsal on August 21. Moved by the sight of exhausted sanitation workers cleaning through the night, she decided to act.

“Amid the flags and flowers, every street looked so beautiful. I thought I had to do something to help preserve that,” she shared.

Whistle for trash collection

Starting August 23, Thang patrolled the streets of Quan Thanh, Thanh Nien, and Hung Vuong. Every few minutes, she blew her whistle and cheerfully called out: “Who has trash for me?” Instead of letting people throw waste on the ground, she personally collected bottles, plastic bags, and food containers.

Her friendliness eased the crowd, making people more comfortable to enjoy food and drinks while waiting hours for the parade. “Everyone should just enjoy the patriotic atmosphere—leave the trash to me,” she smiled.

Viral recognition and admiration

Videos of the “whistle woman” collecting trash quickly spread on social media, receiving tens of thousands of likes and comments praising her dedication. Some spectators initially mistook her for a sanitation worker, only to be moved when they realized she was volunteering on her own.

Beyond cleaning, she boosted the festive spirit by leading people in singing revolutionary songs, helping pass the long hours of waiting.

Helping veterans and connecting communities

Thang also supported veterans from across Vietnam who traveled to Hanoi for the parade. She guided elderly attendees to priority seating areas, shared her phone number for assistance, and even arranged free accommodations by connecting them with local families. With permission from Ba Dinh Sports Center, where she works, she opened the facility for veterans to rest and use amenities.

On September 2, after the grand parade ended and the streets were spotless, she stayed behind to escort a veteran to lunch and help him catch a bus back to Hai Phong.

A small act with big meaning

“To contribute even a small effort during such an important event for our country makes me truly happy,” Thang said.

The 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2) drew widespread international media attention, with outlets highlighting the scale, symbolism, and emotional resonance of the celebrations in Hanoi.

AFP: Record-breaking parade with 40,000 participants

French news agency AFP reported that under a sea of red flags, Vietnamese troops marched proudly in Hanoi on September 2. Helicopters and aircraft soared overhead as tens of thousands lined the streets from dawn to secure a spot.

According to AFP, around 40,000 military personnel and civilians joined the parade and march, breaking the previous 1985 record of 30,000 participants. The agency emphasized that the celebrations honored Vietnam’s independence and its transformation into a global manufacturing hub.

AP: Hanoi covered in Vietnam flags

The Associated Press (AP) described Hanoi’s streets blanketed with red flags bearing the yellow star, fluttering from balconies, old buildings, and modern skyscrapers alike. Photos showed the capital fully decorated on the eve of the anniversary, creating a striking patriotic scene.

Bloomberg: Modern military display alongside Soviet-era tanks

Bloomberg highlighted how thousands of people queued overnight just to watch the rehearsals and final parade. Soldiers even formed heart shapes during drills to show pride in the nation.

Alongside Soviet-era T-55 tanks, Vietnam showcased newer military equipment including drones, cruise missiles, air-defense systems, and domestically produced communications technology. Bloomberg noted this reflects Vietnam’s growing effort to modernize and develop an independent defense ecosystem.

Russian media: Political and social transformation

Russian outlets also covered the event. Gazeta Pravda emphasized that Vietnam celebrated its 80th National Day amid a new era of political and socioeconomic reform. Kommersant described the Hanoi parade as the country’s largest in decades, featuring modern military hardware, tens of thousands of participants, and even foreign delegations from Russia and China. Vietnam’s navy also held a maritime parade with submarines and frigates.

A message of independence and peace

During the ceremony, General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s determination to safeguard independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, underscoring the country’s enduring commitment to peace and resilience.

A shocking motorcycle theft has gone viral in Vietnam after a young man pretended to buy a Kawasaki Ninja 300 in Nghe An, only to ride off with the bike and leave his girlfriend behind at the shop. The case took an unexpected turn when a woman in Can Tho recognized the suspect as one of her brother’s drinking buddies and reported him to police.

Suspect caught after viral video spread online

On the night of August 31, police in Thạnh Phú Commune, Can Tho City, confirmed the arrest of Nguyen Khanh (born 1994, from Da Nang, temporarily living in Ho Chi Minh City). Authorities identified him as the man who stole a large-displacement motorcycle from a dealership in Vinh Loc Ward, Nghe An Province.

Just one day earlier, Khanh had joined a party at the home of Ms. P.T.C.N in Thạnh Phú Commune, after being invited by her younger sister. While scrolling TikTok, Ms. N suddenly recognized Khanh in a viral video showing the theft and immediately notified local police.

How the theft unfolded

According to the dealership owner Pham Ba Quang, on the morning of August 27, Khanh arrived with a woman—posing as his wife—to view motorcycles. After asking to test ride a used Kawasaki Ninja 300, he sped away, leaving the woman at the store. The stolen bike is valued at around 50 million VND (≈ $2,000 USD).

The woman told police she had only met Khanh recently via social media and had traveled with him from Ho Chi Minh City to Nghe An. She was shocked when he vanished with the bike, abandoning her at the shop.

Police investigation

Can Tho authorities quickly brought Khanh in for questioning. He admitted to taking the motorcycle under the pretense of a test ride. The case is under further investigation as police coordinate between Nghe An and Can Tho to handle charges of motorcycle theft and fraud.

Tóm tắt: Vòng thi quốc tế đầu tiên nhấn mạnh sự hợp tác AI + du lịch, với các dự án từ 8 quốc gia tiến vào vòng chung kết tại Bắc Hải.

Ngày 20/8/2025, Vòng ASEAN của Cuộc thi Sáng tạo AI + Du lịch Văn hóa Trung Quốc – ASEAN đã chính thức khép lại tại Hà Nội, Việt Nam. Đây là vòng sơ khảo cuối cùng và cũng là chặng dừng chân quốc tế đầu tiên của cuộc thi, quy tụ những dự án tiêu biểu từ Trung Quốc và các nước ASEAN, tập trung vào đổi mới du lịch ứng dụng AI. Sự kiện diễn ra sôi nổi với nhiều trao đổi, hợp tác triển vọng.

Đồng tổ chức bởi Chính quyền thành phố Bắc Hải và các cơ quan Quảng Tây, cùng sự tham gia của các doanh nghiệp Việt Nam và Trung Quốc, cuộc thi hướng tới thúc đẩy hội nhập Trung Quốc – ASEAN trong lĩnh vực “AI + du lịch” thông qua giao lưu công nghệ, góp phần nâng cao số hóa ngành du lịch khu vực.

Sau các vòng sơ khảo tại Thượng Hải và Bắc Kinh, sự kiện tại Hà Nội tập trung vào thị trường ASEAN, kết nối nghiên cứu – phát triển trong nước với ứng dụng khu vực. Hơn 370 dự án đăng ký trên toàn cầu, trải rộng từ ứng dụng AI, đổi mới công nghệ đến mở rộng thị trường ASEAN. Roadshow tại Việt Nam có sự tham gia của đội ngũ từ 8 quốc gia, giới thiệu các giải pháp như điều hướng đa ngôn ngữ, hướng dẫn viên ảo, quản lý thông minh điểm đến du lịch, và số hóa di sản văn hóa—tất cả đều cân bằng giữa công nghệ và khả năng thích ứng thị trường.

Ban giám khảo gồm các chuyên gia học thuật và doanh nghiệp đánh giá dự án dựa trên tính sáng tạo, tiềm năng thương mại, mức độ phù hợp với ASEAN và tính khả thi, đồng thời đưa ra các khuyến nghị bản địa hóa. Nổi bật có hệ thống điều hướng đa ngôn ngữ Trung – Việt và ứng dụng hướng dẫn tham quan AR của Việt Nam.

Ngành du lịch ASEAN tăng trưởng nhanh—Thái Lan, Malaysia, Việt Nam đều ghi nhận mức tăng hai con số trong năm 2024—nhưng vẫn tồn tại khoảng trống về hiệu quả và dịch vụ đa ngôn ngữ. Việt Nam, với lợi thế tài nguyên du lịch phong phú và hạ tầng ngày càng cải thiện, trở thành điểm thử nghiệm lý tưởng cho các giải pháp AI. Đại diện một bộ ngành Việt Nam nhấn mạnh: “AI có thể nâng cấp dịch vụ, nâng cao trải nghiệm và giúp doanh nghiệp trong nước vươn ra toàn cầu.”

Sự kiện nhận được sự quan tâm rộng rãi từ truyền thông ASEAN và quốc tế, trong đó MoneyFM893 (Singapore) đánh giá đây là “bước đi thực tiễn trên Con đường Tơ lụa Số Trung Quốc – ASEAN.”

Tám dự án từ Hà Nội đã giành quyền tham dự vòng chung kết tại Bắc Hải, cùng với các đội thắng cuộc ở Thượng Hải và Bắc Kinh, tranh giải nhất trị giá 1 triệu nhân dân tệ cùng gói hỗ trợ thâm nhập thị trường ASEAN. Bắc Hải cung cấp hơn 300 điểm du lịch để thử nghiệm, kèm trợ cấp và quỹ đầu tư nhằm đẩy nhanh quá trình thương mại hóa. Các dự án đoạt giải còn được phê duyệt tham gia chương trình công nghệ cấp thành phố, mở đường từ giai đoạn thử nghiệm đến triển khai thị trường.

Đại diện Bắc Hải cho biết: “Sự kiện tại Việt Nam đã khép lại vòng sơ khảo và mở ra giai đoạn hợp tác du lịch thông minh Trung Quốc – ASEAN. Chúng tôi mong chờ nhiều đổi mới hướng tới ASEAN sẽ tỏa sáng tại Bắc Hải.”

Thông tin chi tiết: https://caaic.enowa.cn