Vietnam Insider

Authorities have indicted Nguyen Thi Hong Bich, 38, for the calculated poisoning of her husband and three close relatives using cyanide, a crime that has shocked the community for its brutality and betrayal of family ties.

The Case and Charges

The Dong Nai People’s Procuracy has completed its indictment, charging Bich with “Murder” and “Illegal possession, transportation, and use of toxic substances.” The case has been transferred to the provincial People’s Court for trial.

From Debt to Deadly Intent

According to the indictment, in 2022 Bich, struggling with debt and despair, initially searched online for cyanide to commit suicide. However, persistent family conflicts drove her to turn the lethal substance against her own loved ones.

A Timeline of Poisonings

• January 5, 2023: Knowing her husband, Th., regularly took medication due to illness, Bich placed cyanide into capsules. After taking the poisoned pills, he was hospitalized with symptoms of numbness and high blood pressure. He died 10 months later, but his death raised no suspicion at the time.

• January 1, 2024: Following financial disputes with her younger sister, Bich mixed cyanide into a drink given to her 7-year-old niece, D., causing the child’s death.

• May 25, 2024: Upset with her elder brother and his wife, Bich poisoned a water bottle and gave it to their 12-year-old son, N., who died shortly after.

• June 2024: Bich attempted to poison T., 19, the elder brother of N. The victim collapsed and was hospitalized, where doctors discovered cyanide in his system. He survived but suffered 23% bodily impairment.

Arrest and Public Outcry

After the discovery at the hospital, the victim’s family reported the crime to police. Bich was arrested soon after and confessed during the investigation.

Prosecutors described the case as “exceptionally serious,” noting that Bich’s actions were “cold-blooded, ruthless, and contemptuous of both morality and law,” especially as her victims were her own family members.

The trial is expected to draw significant public attention due to the shocking nature of the crimes.

Hanoi is set to begin construction of a riverside park along the To Lich River, a long-polluted waterway that has been part of the capital’s cultural and historical identity for centuries. Locals are expressing high hopes that the project will revive the river, creating a cleaner, greener, and more livable urban environment.

Part of Hanoi’s Major Development Projects

The Hanoi People’s Committee recently approved a list of eight key projects scheduled to launch during celebrations of the 71st anniversary of the city’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2025). Among them is the To Lich River Park Project, aimed at transforming the riverbanks into an ecological corridor, cultural landmark, and public recreation space.

On September 20, treated water from the Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant began flowing into the river, with a capacity of around 200,000m³ per day. Earlier, on September 9, water from West Lake was redirected through a separate pipeline to further improve the river’s quality.

Citizens Welcome a Long-Awaited Transformation

For decades, the 13-km To Lich River has been associated with heavy pollution, foul odors, and environmental decline. The announcement of a riverside park has therefore been warmly welcomed by residents.

Nguyen Van Dung, a long-time resident of Cau Giay, shared:
“Living near the To Lich River, we’ve endured pollution for years. Now that the city is improving the water quality, we are eager for the park project to start so our living environment can finally be more pleasant.”

Another local from Hoang Mai District noted that the project could significantly improve urban life:
“If properly executed, this park will provide a continuous green corridor stretching for kilometers, delivering long-term benefits for the capital.”

Design Expectations: Clean, Accessible, and Community-Focused

Citizens have suggested practical design ideas such as wide sidewalks, tree-lined paths, pedestrian walkways, seating areas, lighting systems, and community playgrounds. Some even hope the riverbed can be reshaped to look more natural and aesthetically pleasing.

Thanh Huong, another Hanoi resident, highlighted the potential cultural and tourism value:
“Reviving To Lich River would be wonderful for the city. It will give people a place to relax while also becoming a tourist attraction, similar to how Japan and South Korea restored their once-polluted rivers.”

Experts Call for Sustainable Planning

Urban planning experts emphasize that while the park project is promising, careful design and community engagement are crucial.
Dr. Dao Ngoc Nghiem, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, noted:
“This is a positive step, but authorities should consider lessons from past projects, especially those proposed by Japan. The To Lich River should be restored in a way that respects history while ensuring sustainable urban development.”

Safeguarding Public Space

Many citizens stressed the importance of maintaining the park as a true public green space—free from excessive commercial development such as restaurants, shopping centers, or private venues.

Pham Thi Hanh from Thanh Xuan expressed:
“We hope the city keeps the park public. It should remain a place for walking, exercising, and community activities, not commercial exploitation.”

Toward a Greener Future for Hanoi

The To Lich River Park Project represents not only an environmental initiative but also a cultural revival for Hanoi. If executed with transparency, sustainability, and strong community involvement, it could become one of the capital’s most iconic green spaces—bringing fresh air, beauty, and pride back to a river once considered “dead.”

Authorities in Thanh Hóa province are investigating a shocking murder case after the body of an 8-year-old girl was discovered hidden inside a sack in her family’s garden late on September 20.

Child went missing after afternoon play

According to initial reports, the victim had been left with her grandparents while her parents were out working in the fields. Around 2 p.m., her grandfather, Mr. Trịnh Văn Tân, briefly left the children at home to assist with rice harvesting. When he returned later in the evening, the young girl was nowhere to be found.

Her sudden disappearance sparked an urgent search by relatives and villagers, with announcements made on local loudspeakers and social media. Suspecting an accident, searchers combed ponds, fields, and remote corners of the village but found no trace.

At around 9 p.m., a family member noticed a suspicious sack in the corner of the garden. When the stones placed on top were removed, they made the horrifying discovery: the girl’s body inside.

Investigation underway

Police and forensic teams worked through the night to examine the crime scene. Authorities confirmed the child had suffered multiple injuries to her head and neck.

Preliminary findings point to a juvenile relative as the main suspect. Investigators believe a quarrel over a hammock may have escalated, leading to the child being fatally struck before her body was concealed.

Local officials said the boy comes from a difficult family background, with parents working far from home. Teachers described him as an average student, sociable with classmates, and showing no prior signs of abnormal behavior.

Community in shock

The brutal killing has deeply shaken the rural community of Yên Định district. Local authorities and the school are working to provide psychological support to the victim’s family while assisting with funeral arrangements.

Police have not released further details as the case remains under investigation.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has congratulated Vietnamese singer Đức Phúc for winning Intervision 2025 in Moscow, calling it “a shared pride of contemporary Vietnamese music and culture.”

In a congratulatory letter on September 21, the Prime Minister praised Đức Phúc’s powerful vocals, emotional performance, and creative interpretation of Phù Đổng Thiên Vương — a song inspired by poet Nguyễn Duy’s Tre Việt Nam. The performance told a story of unity, resilience, and aspiration, leaving a strong impression on both international audiences and Vietnamese fans.

A cultural milestone for Vietnam

The Prime Minister emphasized that the victory not only encourages Đức Phúc to pursue his passion but also inspires young artists to be creative and contribute to national music while promoting Vietnamese culture globally.

Vietnam’s participation in Intervision — revived after more than 40 years — also carried a broader message of solidarity and cultural exchange. “Music overcomes all differences, connecting people worldwide,” he noted.

Emotional reactions at home and abroad

After the win, Đức Phúc expressed his joy: “This motivates me to work harder and be more creative for Vietnamese music.”

The performance, blending traditional and modern elements with stage props like bamboo and conical hats, went viral in Russia and attracted millions of views in Vietnam. Poet Nguyễn Duy, whose verses inspired the song, said he was moved to tears: “My poem is more than 50 years old, yet still resonates with today’s youth. This is both an honor and proof that art thrives when tradition meets modernity.”

Music producer Huy Tuấn called the victory “a milestone for Vietnamese pop music,” while veteran singer Việt Hoàn hailed it as “a remarkable achievement for the nation’s music.”

From Vietnam to the world stage

Intervision 2025 drew contestants from over 20 countries, including Cuba, China, the US, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. Đức Phúc, 28, from Hanoi, first rose to fame as the winner of The Voice Vietnam 2015 under the mentorship of Mỹ Tâm. He later scored multiple hits such as Ánh nắng của anh and Hơn cả yêu.

Following his win, Đức Phúc announced he would donate part of his prize of nearly VND 9.5 billion to charity.

Vietnam has long been famous among international travelers for its unique coffee variations such as egg coffee, salted coffee, coconut coffee, and the iconic iced milk coffee. Now, another unusual creation is captivating foreigners: avocado coffee.

A surprising twist for Western visitors

For many international tourists, avocado is usually eaten as part of savory dishes, not as a sweet dessert. Discovering that Vietnamese people blend avocado with milk or sugar already surprises them — but mixing it with strong robusta coffee takes that surprise to another level.

On TikTok and YouTube, foreigners are increasingly sharing their first reactions to avocado coffee. Klaudia, a Polish traveler currently living in Da Nang, admitted that she was initially shocked by the idea. “I love avocado, but never imagined drinking it with coffee. It’s like a sweet dessert balanced with the strength of Vietnamese robusta,”.

A dessert-like drink with local flair

Klaudia, who runs the YouTube channel Nomadic Klaudia, compared the taste to avocado ice cream, only stronger and more exciting thanks to the coffee base. After trying many Vietnamese coffee specialties — from salted to coconut to egg coffee — she declared avocado coffee her “true favorite.”

She added that while locals may not drink it every day, avocado coffee has all the qualities to become a “symbolic drink for tourists” thanks to its vibrant green color, creamy sweetness, and exotic taste.

Viral on TikTok and beyond

Searching “avocado coffee Vietnam” on TikTok brings up countless videos of foreign tourists trying the drink, with thousands of likes and comments. Caleb, a 21-year-old Canadian travel blogger, said he discovered it by chance during his Vietnam trip.

“To me, it’s like an avocado smoothie blended with the bold flavor of coffee. Very creamy, slightly sweet, and totally unique,” he said, adding that he also enjoyed another quirky option — banana coffee.

Could it become the next egg coffee?

While some foreigners believe avocado coffee has the potential to reach the same fame as Vietnam’s egg coffee, others think it will remain more of a novelty, appealing mainly to adventurous travelers.

Still, as part of Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture, avocado coffee is now a must-try experience for visitors. Whether it can rival the classics or not, it adds yet another memorable flavor to the country’s reputation as one of the world’s most exciting coffee destinations.

South Korea is facing a serious manpower crisis that threatens its ability to defend against North Korea, as projections show the country’s active-duty forces could shrink to just 270,000 soldiers by 2040.

Active forces cut nearly in half

According to the Ministry of National Defense, South Korea’s standing army—currently around 450,000—will fall to 290,000 by 2030, 260,000 by 2035, and just 150,000 by 2040. Including officers, the total force would be about 270,000.

In contrast, North Korea maintains 1.2 million active troops, backed by a strict conscription system requiring men to serve 10 years and women 7 years. This means that by 2040, South Korea’s army will be only a quarter of Pyongyang’s size, far below the minimum ratio of one-third recommended by U.S. military doctrine for effective defense.

Experts warn of defense risks

A report by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA) stresses Seoul needs at least 500,000 troops to repel a potential invasion. Despite South Korea’s technological edge in weapons and training, analysts caution that numbers still matter on the battlefield.

Researchers suggest extending conscription, introducing a mixed draft-volunteer system, and even considering mandatory service for women. They also propose investing in advanced technologies such as quantum surveillance systems, AI-powered combat robots, drones, and precision missiles to offset manpower shortages.

Government’s modernization push

President Lee Jae Myung, visiting troops on September 21, vowed a “smart, elite military” built on cutting-edge technology. He highlighted South Korea’s 2.6 million reservists, robust economy, and strong defense budget as critical strengths that go beyond raw troop numbers.

“We cannot measure our defense capability by manpower alone,” Lee wrote on Facebook, pledging to expand defense industries, increase spending, and strengthen multilateral security cooperation.

A growing national security challenge

South Korea’s record-low birth rate, the world’s lowest, is the driving force behind the troop shortage. Without drastic measures, experts warn the country will struggle to field even 300,000 soldiers by 2040.

“The decline in military manpower is a direct threat to national security and demands urgent, coordinated action,” said Professor Cho Sang Geun of KAIST.

As North Korea shows no sign of easing its massive conscription system, Seoul faces the challenge of maintaining credible defense capabilities with fewer soldiers, relying increasingly on technology, strategy, and alliances.

Vietnamese-American singer Lynda Trang Đài has filed a request to join Florida’s Pretrial Diversion Program—a move that could allow her to avoid prosecution for petty theft if she fulfills specific conditions, including community service.

Court grants delay for diversion program

According to legal documents from Orange County Court, Florida, both prosecutors and the defense agreed to temporarily suspend her case while procedures for the diversion program are completed. The court has officially approved the motion, putting her trial on hold.

Under Florida law (Section 948, Chapter 8), the Pretrial Diversion Program applies to first-time offenders or those with only one prior non-violent misdemeanor. Instead of facing prosecution, participants are given the chance to take responsibility, undergo rehabilitation, and complete community-based requirements. Successful completion leads to dismissal of charges, while failure sends the case back to standard criminal proceedings.

What Lynda Trang Đài must do

As part of her six-month agreement, the singer must comply with several obligations, which may include:

• Counseling or therapy sessions

• Drug screening and education programs

• Community service work

• Supervision by a case manager

• Payment of administrative fees and restitution

If she meets all requirements, prosecutors will file a nolle prosequi (dropping the case), clearing her record.

Background of the case

Lynda Trang Đài (real name: Lynda Trangdai Le Ngo) was arrested by Orlando police on January 5, 2025, for allegedly shoplifting items worth over $100—a misdemeanor under Florida law. She was released the following day after posting $1,000 bail.

In a conversation with fellow singer Quang Lê, she described the arrest as “bad luck” and said her lawyer was working to clarify the case. She also expressed hope that fans would not lose faith in her.

If successful in the diversion program, the singer will avoid a criminal record, giving her the chance to put the incident behind her and continue her career.

Hanoi has just been honored as one of the Top 10 street food cities in Asia, according to the UK-based magazine Time Out. The Vietnamese capital ranked second place, just behind Penang (Malaysia), beating other famous destinations like Singapore and Bangkok.

Hanoi – Vietnam’s street food paradise

As the only Vietnamese city in the ranking, Hanoi has earned international praise for its vibrant and authentic food culture. Unlike fine-dining restaurants, Hanoi’s charm lies in its sidewalk eateries and bustling street stalls, where simple yet flavorful dishes win the hearts of both locals and travelers.

According to Time Out, Hanoi is a “culinary heaven” where visitors can stumble upon delicious dishes everywhere—from quiet alleyways and winding staircases to lively street corners.

Among its recommendations are iconic spots such as:

• Bánh Mì 25 in the Old Quarter

• Phở Cô Minh on Hàng Trống

• Bánh Cuốn Bà Lộc

• Bún Chả 74 Hàng Quạt

These humble eateries, often run by generations of families, continue to shape Hanoi’s culinary identity.

Street food as a magnet for international visitors

Vietnam welcomed nearly 1.7 million international visitors in August 2025, raising the 8-month total to 13.9 million arrivals—a 21.7% year-on-year increase. Hanoi remains one of the country’s top draws. In the first three months of 2025 alone, the city welcomed 7.3 million visitors, including 1.85 million international tourists.

Experts say one of Hanoi’s strongest attractions is its street food culture, which not only satisfies culinary curiosity but also creates lasting memories for travelers.

Influencers help spread the flavor of Hanoi

Street food in Hanoi has also inspired countless international YouTubers and food bloggers:

• Ted Aroi from Taiwan spent days exploring 10 different phở eateries, praising the broth and affordable prices. He ranked phở at Gốc Gạo as his favorite, calling it the best balance of flavor and quality for only 50,000 VND per bowl.

• Suhyang from South Korea, with more than 700,000 YouTube subscribers, shared her excitement about Hanoi street food even before landing at Nội Bài Airport. She enjoyed dishes like bánh mì nem khoai, phở trộn, cơm rang dưa bò, trà chanh, and sữa ngô, promising to return for more.

Their experiences, widely shared online, have helped cement Hanoi’s reputation as a global street food hotspot.

Challenges and the road ahead

While Hanoi’s street food scene is a cultural treasure and an economic lifeline for small vendors, challenges remain. Issues like sidewalk encroachment, hygiene, and food safety must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth.

Experts believe that if managed well, Hanoi can successfully build its image as the Street Food Capital of Asia, making it not just a tourist attraction but also a cultural passport that connects Vietnam with the world.

Asia’s Top 10 Street Food Cities (Time Out)

1. Penang, Malaysia

2. Hanoi, Vietnam

3. Singapore

4. Mumbai, India

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

6. Bangkok, Thailand

7. Tainan, Taiwan

8. Osaka, Japan

9. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

10. Chengdu, China

Police in Ho Chi Minh City are investigating a tragic accident in which a man suspected of drunk driving crashed his car into a motorbike, killing a mother and her two young sons.

The crash happened on the evening of September 20 on DH507 Road in Phước Thành Commune, Phú Giáo District (formerly Bình Dương, now part of HCMC).

Fatal crash details

According to police, Nguyễn Đức Thanh Nam, 32, was driving a five-seat car when he collided with a motorbike ridden by Nguyễn Thị Thu Vân, 36, who was returning home with her sons, aged six and two, after visiting their grandmother.

• The impact threw all three victims onto the roadside.

• The mother and her six-year-old son died instantly.

• The two-year-old was rushed to Phú Giáo Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries.

• The driver was also injured and is under investigation.

The vehicles were badly damaged, with the car only stopping after crashing into a rubber tree nearly 10 meters from the point of impact.

Alcohol violation confirmed

Traffic police said Nam failed to yield when entering the main road. Blood tests revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 50mg/100ml, confirming alcohol use.

Under Decree 168, such a violation—if it had not caused an accident—would result in a fine of 16–18 million VND ($630–710) and suspension of the driver’s license for 16–18 months.

Dangerous road conditions

Locals said DH507 Road, which connects HCMC with Đồng Nai, is about 12 meters wide but has sharp curves and lacks street lighting, making it particularly dangerous at night.

Vingroup is set to expand its footprint in Hà Tĩnh with a massive 21.4 trillion VND ($840 million) investment in an EV supporting industry factory complex at the Vũng Áng Economic Zone.

According to Hà Tĩnh Economic Zone Authority, the project has received official approval and will cover 132 hectares across designated plots CN4-1 and CN4-2 in the zone’s central industrial area.

Key project details

• Total investment: 21.4 trillion VND ($840 million)

• Equity contribution: 3.21 trillion VND (15%) from Vingroup subsidiary Vinhomes Industrial Park Hà Tĩnh

• Project scope: Leasing factories and infrastructure for EV component and supporting industry manufacturers

• Timeline: Construction begins late 2025, operational by June 2027

The facility will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and supporting works to attract domestic and foreign suppliers to join Vietnam’s fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.

Boost for Hà Tĩnh’s economy

Once operational, the project is expected to drive further investment into the province, strengthen its industrial base, and create new jobs.

The development comes after a series of large-scale Vingroup projects in Hà Tĩnh, including:

• VinES EV battery plant (13 hectares, operational since mid-2023)

• VinFast Hà Tĩnh EV factory (360,000 m², inaugurated June 2025 after just seven months of construction)

• Planned 40 trillion VND deep-sea port and logistics hub

• A Kỳ Ninh coastal resort project in Kỳ Anh

Vũng Áng: Vietnam’s industrial growth hub

Established in 2006, the Vũng Áng Economic Zone spans over 22,000 hectares, hosting around 150 investment projects and employing nearly 20,000 workers. Major developments include the Formosa Hà Tĩnh steel complex and Vũng Áng I thermal power plant.

In the first half of 2025 alone, Hà Tĩnh attracted 20 new investment projects (including two FDI), tripling registered capital compared to the same period last year.

Vietnam has successfully mastered most of the core technologies in the oil and gas value chain, covering exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, and advanced energy solutions, according to Petrovietnam Chairman Lê Mạnh Hùng.

Speaking at the group’s 50th anniversary celebration, Hùng said Petrovietnam has built a modern, comprehensive oil and gas industry with strategic energy infrastructure, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.

Technological breakthroughs

Petrovietnam has developed expertise in:

• Oil and gas exploration and drilling

• Refining and petrochemicals, including ammonia, urea, and polymer materials

• Power generation from gas and steam turbines

• Advanced global contributions such as basement rock oil extraction, self-elevating drilling rigs, and graphene synthesis

The corporation has also built a highly skilled workforce of leaders, scientists, and industry experts.

A history of growth

Vietnam’s oil and gas journey spans three key phases:

1. 1956–1960: Early exploration with Soviet assistance, producing the first petroleum prospect maps.

2. 1961–1975: Establishment of the first exploration team and discovery of the first commercial gas flow in Thái Bình province.

3. Post-1975: Rapid growth following the creation of the General Department of Oil and Gas, which later became Petrovietnam.

Today, Petrovietnam is Vietnam’s largest contributor to the state budget. In 2024, the group reported record revenue surpassing 1 quadrillion VND (approx. USD 40 billion), equal to 9% of national GDP, and contributed 165 trillion VND in taxes.

Strategic ambitions

By 2030, Petrovietnam aims to become one of the world’s top 500 enterprises, with:

• 25% of revenue from science, technology, and innovation

• 30% from international business and exports

• Expanded investments in R&D, AI, and digital transformation

National importance

At the ceremony, General Secretary Tô Lâm praised Petrovietnam’s role in ensuring Vietnam’s “Five Securities” – national security, economic security, food security, defense security, and social security. He urged the group to continue leading in energy security, industrialization, and modernization.

Tô Lâm also called on Petrovietnam to:

• Complete national petrochemical and refinery complexes

• Develop offshore platforms, energy equipment, and eco-industrial hubs

• Accelerate digital transformation and international-standard governance

• Strengthen partnerships, public-private collaborations, and global integration

Vietnam’s fragrant rice export prices have jumped by up to USD 15 per ton this week, marking the second consecutive week of gains, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Premium fragrant rice reached as high as USD 465 per ton, Jasmine rice rose to USD 503 per ton, while 5% broken white rice held steady at USD 379 per ton.

Why are Vietnam’s rice prices rising?

Exporters in the Mekong Delta attribute the surge to tight supplies during the between-harvest period and renewed buying from African markets, taking advantage of favorable prices. Another major factor is preparation for the Philippines, Vietnam’s largest rice buyer, which is expected to resume imports soon.

Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told lawmakers this week that the country’s rice production for 2025 would fall short of forecasts, at 12.6 – 12.8 million tons of rice, lower than earlier estimates of 20.46 million tons of paddy. This has fueled expectations that the Philippines will lift its temporary rice import ban earlier than the planned 60-day period.

The ban, effective from September 1 to October 31, 2025, was intended to support local farmers. As of September 11, the Philippines had already imported 3.1 million tons of rice, with Vietnam supplying 79% (2.47 million tons), followed by Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, and India.

Regional rice price movements

• Thailand: Prices are also rising. Standard 5% broken rice increased by USD 7 to USD 379 per ton, Jasmine rice climbed by USD 13 to USD 598 per ton, and premium Hom Mali varieties surged by up to USD 39, hitting USD 1,293 per ton. The rise was supported by a stronger Thai baht and growing Chinese demand.

• India: Prices continued to fall due to record stockpiles. Government reserves reached 48.2 million tons by the end of August, up 14% year-on-year – the highest in history. India’s rice exports are projected to hit a record 22.5 million tons in 2025, up nearly 25% from last year.

Outlook

Analysts believe Vietnam’s rice export prices will remain firm in the coming weeks, driven by tight supplies, robust overseas demand, and the Philippines’ likely return to the market.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Super Typhoon Ragasa, which has intensified to Category 16 with gusts above Category 17, is forecast to enter the East Sea (South China Sea) on September 23. Its wide circulation is expected to trigger heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces.

Ragasa Strength Comparable to 2024’s Typhoon Yagi

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), Ragasa has reached super typhoon strength, with maximum sustained winds at Category 16–17, similar to the record-breaking Typhoon Yagi (Typhoon No. 3) in 2024. By September 25, the storm could make landfall in northern Vietnam, from Quang Ninh to Ha Tinh.

Impacts on Ho Chi Minh City and the South

Mr. Le Dinh Quyet, Head of Forecasting at the Southern Hydro-Meteorological Station, noted that while Ragasa may weaken upon landfall, its massive circulation will still influence the entire southern region.

From September 23–25, Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces are expected to face:

• Widespread heavy rainfall

• Localized downpours with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusts

• Coastal areas, including Can Gio and southern Lam Dong, at higher risk of severe weather

By September 27–29, another tropical convergence zone could form over the southern seas, bringing a second round of heavy rainfall to the region.

Rainfall Forecast for Ho Chi Minh City & Surrounding Areas

Meteorologists forecast significant rainfall totals during the last 10 days of September:

• Central districts (Saigon, Cho Lon): ~100 mm

• Suburban districts (Binh Tan, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Nha Be, Tan Thuan): 130–140 mm

• Binh Chanh & Can Gio: up to 150 mm

• Neighboring provinces (Binh Duong, Ba Ria–Vung Tau): 120–130 mm

• Hotspots (Phu Giao, Xuyen Moc, Con Dao): 140–150 mm

Advisory

Authorities are urging residents in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern region to:

• Prepare for flooding in low-lying areas

• Avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms

• Stay updated with official weather alerts

With two major rain events expected, late September will be a challenging period for Ho Chi Minh City’s weather, requiring vigilance and preparedness.

Hanoi, Vietnam – A shocking incident in which a coffee shop employee was assaulted after reminding a customer not to smoke indoors has sparked public outrage. At the same time, the keyword “CEO” (translated from the Vietnamese slang “tổng tài”) has unexpectedly surged into the top of Google Trends, with search volumes skyrocketing by thousands of percent.

“CEO” Figure in Viral Clip

The viral clip shows the confrontation inside a Hanoi coffee shop in Vinh Tuy Ward. A well-dressed man in a suit—dubbed “CEO” by netizens for his appearance resembling characters in Chinese romance dramas—was seen raising his hand as if giving a signal. Immediately afterward, another man stood up and struck the employee behind the counter, knocking him to the floor.

The “CEO” figure then gestured again and shouted “stop” three times, prompting the attacker to return to his seat.

Searches Spike on Google Trends

Following the clip, related search terms exploded on Google Trends. Phrases such as “CEO assault incident” jumped by more than 1,000%, while “CEO apology” rose by 900%. Other keywords like “CEO coffee shop video”, “CEO beating staff”, and “CEO scandal” also recorded sharp increases.

In Chinese and Vietnamese pop culture, “tổng tài” (CEO) is a popular term in romance novels and dramas to describe a wealthy, powerful, and handsome male executive. In this case, however, the label was used sarcastically to mock the man in the viral video.

Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The video has drawn widespread condemnation online. Many netizens criticized the assault as thuggish behavior and a blatant disregard for public rules and the law.

One commenter wrote: “This needs strict punishment. If incidents like this spread online, it will encourage uncivil behavior among young people.” Another added: “They acted like money and status put them above the law. That’s unacceptable.”

Actor Minh Luan also spoke out, calling the behavior “absurd and alarming.” He noted: “True power is shown through restraint and civility. Using violence in a public place, especially while smoking where it’s prohibited, shows a lack of respect for both others and the law.”

He emphasized that the case should serve as a wake-up call for individuals with a distorted sense of entitlement, urging authorities to handle it strictly as a lesson in civilized conduct.