Vietnam Insider

From hoarding gold to avoiding debt, many expats in Vietnam are shifting their financial mindset to match local values.

When James Carter, a 34-year-old Briton, moved to Hanoi two years ago to work as a business manager at a tech company, one of his earliest surprises was how many Vietnamese families owned gold.

“Gold is king here. It’s a condensed form of wealth, like insurance against uncertainty,” James recalled, speaking about the financial secret he uncovered in 2023.

As he became closer to his Vietnamese colleagues and friends, he was invited to their homes and discovered more. One friend showed him a drawer full of envelopes labeled with clear purposes: Lunar New Year gifts, emergency fund, money for parents, or saving for a new fridge.

James compared it to old-school budgeting—no spreadsheets, but remarkable discipline.

“They don’t need Excel—they know exactly where every đồng goes,” he said.

A Cultural Clash Around Money

Later, James began dating—and eventually married—a Vietnamese woman. It was then that he fully encountered the Vietnamese philosophy of cautious spending. Big purchases were carefully planned, only made when absolutely necessary and financially feasible. Borrowing money was a last resort, and usually only from friends or family.

“Vietnamese people are very afraid of debt,” James observed, contrasting it with his UK experience where credit cards, auto loans, and ‘buy now, pay later’ are common ways to stretch one’s lifestyle.

His more risk-tolerant, debt-leveraging approach to money often clashed with his wife’s cautious mindset. When he proposed investing in a UK startup, her calm response included three pointed questions:

“What if it fails? How long to recover the investment? Would you be proud to tell our kids about it later?”

That moment marked a turning point. James began reflecting more on how Vietnamese people—with often modest incomes—could afford homes, care for aging parents, and invest in their children’s future.

“It’s not how much you earn, it’s how much you keep,” he concluded.

He decided against buying a new car, noticing that even his wife’s family still used reliable old motorbikes. Eventually, they used the money to buy a small plot of land on the outskirts of Hanoi—a low-key but strategic move.

“It felt right. Very Vietnamese,” James said.

He also found himself comparing expenses:

“Why pay $10 for a sandwich when a bowl of phở is $2, tastier, and filling?”

James isn’t alone. Many expats say their financial behavior changes after spending time in Vietnam.

Culture, Scarcity, and Financial Conservatism

According to a Navigos Group report, 50% of foreigners in Vietnam experience culture shock—and 20% of that relates to financial differences. Only 7% of Vietnamese adults have credit cards (Statista, 2023), and 64% avoid borrowing even in financial hardship (World Bank).

William Gray, a financial advisor at Infinity Financial Solutions in Hanoi, says Vietnamese financial behavior is shaped by history and culture.

“The family safety net is crucial here. People save not just for themselves, but to support relatives. Many avoid high-interest loans by borrowing from family,” he explained.

He noted that the lingering memory of rationing and scarcity from past decades has created a strong risk-averse mindset, with a preference for physical assets like gold and real estate. Retirement planning often takes a back seat to investing in children’s futures.

William, who has lived in Vietnam for 8 years, was amazed by how much locals saved despite modest incomes. But he also cautions that this conservatism can hinder long-term financial planning.

“Cash is great for emergencies, but long-term wealth needs to be in appreciating or income-generating assets.”

Still, most Vietnamese tend to channel savings into real estate, which can be speculative and illiquid.

Adapting to Local Wisdom

For some foreigners, the change is dramatic.
Liam Ward, 30, and his Vietnamese girlfriend in Ho Chi Minh City, once argued about their savings plan. Liam thought they should save for travel; she insisted it was a “buffer” in case of illness or job loss.

“We had very different financial mindsets,” he said.

They eventually compromised—by buying and storing gold at home, a habit Liam found odd at first.

“In the West, gold is difficult to liquidate quickly,” he said.

But after several gold price surges in late 2024 and early 2025, he changed his mind.

“Turns out it’s a very efficient and stable form of investment here. Many Vietnamese use it to accumulate wealth.”

Hai Phong – 14 people were accused of taking bribes and abusing their positions and powers to facilitate businesses to falsely declare and illegally export more than 13,000 containers of wood.

On the morning of August 6, Hai Phong People’s Court opened the first-instance trial of 22 defendants in the case of smuggling, bribery, abuse of position and power while performing official duties and fraud to appropriate property occurring at Tai Loc International Production and Trade Company Limited, Hai Phong Port Customs Branch, Region 2 (now Region 3 Customs Branch).

Among the 8 people prosecuted for the crime of Abusing positions and powers while performing official duties are Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien (56 years old, former Head of Port 2 Customs Branch), Vu Ngan Chau (62 years old, former Deputy Head of Port 2 Customs Branch), and former customs officials Nguyen Anh Duc (39 years old), Tran Quoc Hung (51 years old), Bui Tien Hau (37 years old), Pham Van Dinh (55 years old), Nguyen Van Long (56 years old), Truong Binh Loc (39 years old).

Six other former customs officers were prosecuted for accepting bribes, including: To Thi Thu Huong (44 years old, Deputy Director of Port 2 Customs Branch); Trinh Dang Tai (46 years old), Pham Tung Duong (33 years old), Dang Hoang Lan (41 years old), Bui Anh Tien (56 years old), Vu Xuan Truong (41 years old).

Nguyen Tai Loc (34 years old, Director of Tai Loc Company) and 4 others were prosecuted for Smuggling . Ngo Quang Tuyen (36 years old, former Chief Accountant of Tai Loc Company) and Nguyen Quang Long (30 years old, service employee) were prosecuted for Smuggling and Bribery . Nguyen Thi Thuy (44 years old, freelance worker) was prosecuted for Fraudulent Appropriation of Property.

According to the indictment, from January 2021 to January 2024, Nguyen Tai Loc and Ngo Quang Tuyen established 13 companies and borrowed the legal entities of 3 other companies to carry out smuggling by falsely declaring and creating fake records of volume and value to illegally export 13,376 containers of peeled wood (thin wood panels peeled from round logs). The total value of the smuggled goods was determined to be more than 1,800 billion VND, with illegal profits of more than 210 billion VND.

Specifically, Tuyen hired Long to provide customs services at the port, helping him declare a lower volume than the actual volume. In return, Long would pay customs 100,000 VND/declaration and 800,000 VND/container for customs clearance.

Long then contacted step 2 customs officer Trinh Dang Tai to help approve the fast customs declarations. In May 2023, Tai transferred to another job, and Duong was responsible for supporting and receiving Long’s money.

Two months later, Long met with Duong and proposed to reduce the customs clearance fee to 600,000 VND/container due to the difficulties of the business. This was agreed by the Deputy Director of the Customs Sub-Department of Port 2, To Thi Thu Huong.

The People’s Procuracy determined that after receiving the extra payment from the enterprise, the civil servant in step 2 and the leader of the Customs Sub-Department of Port 2 divided the money among themselves according to the ratio. In which, the officer receiving and processing the customs declaration received the entire 100,000 VND per declaration and 15% of the customs clearance fee.

The remaining 85% of the customs clearance fee will be paid to Huong. Of this amount, Huong is accused of profiting 15%, and giving the rest to the Head of the Customs Procedure Team, Dang Hoang Lan.

Receiving the money, Lan enjoyed 20% profit, paid 30% to Branch Director Hien, Deputy Branch Director Chau 30% and kept the rest for general activities of the Procedure Team.

According to the above money division ratio, the People’s Procuracy determined that Huong personally benefited 4.4 billion VND, Lan benefited 864 million VND, and Tai benefited 845 million VND.

In the group of leaders of the Sub-Department, Ms. Hien and Chau knew that the Procedure Team supported fast customs clearance and reduced storage costs, so they skipped some steps in receiving, processing, and checking goods for the Tai Loc Company group. The two leaders then received money from the business many times, through their subordinates, each of them 648 million VND.

The trial is scheduled to last three days.

Source: vnexpress.net

Despite intensive care for nearly three weeks, the young child who suffered brain injuries due to babysitter abuse has died, sparking outrage across Vietnam.

On the evening of August 5, Da Nang General Hospital confirmed the death of L.A.K., a 1-year-old boy from Cam Thanh Ward, Quang Ngai Province, who had been in critical condition following a violent assault by a babysitter.

According to hospital staff, the boy’s vital signs began fading around 5:00 p.m., and despite all efforts by medical personnel, he passed away. His family was informed and assisted in taking the child home for funeral arrangements.

Timeline of the Incident

On July 16, the victim’s mother brought him to an unlicensed daycare facility named Nhu Y, run by Nguyen Thi Quyen, 40, in Cam Thanh Ward. Just hours later, the mother received an emergency call informing her that her child was in critical condition and needed immediate hospitalization.

An investigation later revealed that Quyen violently threw the child twice after becoming irritated with his crying. The second time, the boy’s head struck the edge of a mattress and hit the floor hard, causing him to vomit, convulse, and turn pale. Quyen then attempted basic first aid before rushing him to a local hospital and informing the family.

Due to the severity of his condition, the child was transferred to Da Nang Hospital, where he remained in intensive care until his death.

Attempted Cover-Up and Legal Action

Initially, Quyen lied to the family, claiming the boy had accidentally fallen while eating. When asked for CCTV footage, she repeatedly refused, raising suspicion.

Authorities later determined that the child had suffered a traumatic brain injury with a 47% rate of bodily harm. On August 1, police officially charged and detained Nguyen Thi Quyen for intentionally causing injury.

It was also confirmed by local authorities that the Nhu Y daycare center was operating illegally, without any government approval or licensing.

Ongoing Investigation

The case is being handled by the Quang Ngai Provincial Police Department, with further charges potentially pending in light of the child’s death.

The suspect was captured in Gia Lai Province two days after attacking the shop owner who declined his request for money.

On August 5, authorities in Vinh Quang Commune, Gia Lai Province confirmed the arrest of Ta Cong Tuong, 38, who allegedly stabbed the owner of a local photocopy shop after being refused money.

According to Trinh Thanh Trung, Chairman of Vinh Quang Commune, Tuong was apprehended while hiding in his hometown of Dinh Quang Hamlet.

Incident Details

At around 7:20 p.m. on August 3, Tuong entered the photocopy shop of Le The Hoa, 58, under the pretense of needing documents copied. While waiting, he unexpectedly asked Mr. Hoa for money. When Mr. Hoa refused, Tuong pulled a knife from his jacket and stabbed him from behind.

Startled and injured, Mr. Hoa managed to call for help and retreated further into his home, while the suspect grabbed his documents and fled the scene.

Local police classified the case as intentional assault and launched an immediate investigation.

Suspect’s Mental Health History

Authorities revealed that Tuong has shown signs of mental illness and has previously caused disturbances within his family. He had also been warned by Mr. Hoa in the past regarding his behavior.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are continuing to investigate the case to determine the full circumstances and motive behind the attack.

Viral video sparks outrage as group prevents a ride-hailing driver from picking up passengers at Thai Nguyen Bus Station, forcing a mother carrying a child to get out of the car.

On August 4, a video spread across social media showing a disturbing incident at Thai Nguyen Bus Station (Phan Dinh Phung Ward, Thai Nguyen City). In the footage, a ride-hailing taxi was blocked by a group of people while attempting to pick up passengers, sparking public outrage online.

Incident Details

According to initial reports, the event occurred around 10:47 a.m. on August 3. The ride-hailing driver had just arrived to pick up a customer who had booked through a mobile app when several individuals approached, blocked the vehicle, and opened the doors without consent.

One man, wearing a white cap and sunglasses, is seen in the video ordering a woman carrying a small child to exit the vehicle, then pulling another young woman away as she attempted to board.

A screenshot from the video shows the confrontation, clearly depicting the group obstructing the taxi and preventing it from operating.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Issues

The video quickly attracted widespread criticism, with many netizens pointing out that this kind of obstruction against ride-hailing services at the Thai Nguyen Bus Station is not uncommon — and appears to be a recurring issue.

Commentators expressed concern over the limitation of passengers’ right to choose transportation services, and said such behavior negatively affects the image of a modern, civilized transportation environment.

Official Response

Speaking to the press, Thai Nguyen Bus Station authorities confirmed they were aware of the incident and had summoned the individuals involved for a meeting on the morning of August 4.

“We are working closely with the police to investigate the matter thoroughly. The bus station has a clear stance — we do not cover up for anyone,” a representative stated.

A manager from Binh An Taxi, a company operating at the station, also confirmed the incident. He noted that Binh An has an exclusive business contract with Thai Nguyen Bus Station, granting it the sole rights to pick up passengers inside the station.

Other ride-hailing or taxi services are only permitted to drop off passengers, not pick them up inside the station, unless they wait outside the station gates.

“We’ve reported the situation to authorities and have requested an investigation into the motivations behind the spread of potentially misleading information that may harm our company’s reputation,” the Binh An Taxi representative added.

Legal Action Pending

The case is currently being handled by the Phan Dinh Phung Ward Police, who are working to determine if any legal violations occurred. The authorities have pledged to handle the case in accordance with the law.

Posing as police officers, online scammers manipulated the student into selling gold, borrowing money via loan apps, and isolating himself 350km away from home.

In a disturbing case of online impersonation and digital kidnapping, an 18-year-old student from Ho Chi Minh City was tricked by a group posing as police officers. After receiving a call from someone claiming to be an “investigator”, the student was led to believe he was involved in a criminal case.

The caller knew detailed personal information—ID number, bank account details—which convinced the victim of the legitimacy of the claim. He was instructed to join a Zoom chat room, where he saw multiple people dressed as police and prosecutors. These fake officials warned him not to contact anyone and pressured him into proving his innocence by transferring money to an “investigation account”.

Terrified, the student sold gold and borrowed money via online loan apps, transferring nearly 80 million VND to the scammers. He was then told to board a bus to Dak Lak Province, rent a motel, and wait for further “verification”.

On August 5, after the student lost contact with his family, they reported him missing to the police in Cho Lon Ward. Investigators quickly identified the case as an instance of “online kidnapping”, a growing cybercrime tactic targeting young people. Officers from Team 2 of the Ho Chi Minh City Criminal Police Department traveled over 350km to Buon Ma Thuot City and rescued the student from a motel.

According to police, the group’s strategy was to isolate the victim in a remote area to prevent tracing, and then extort ransom money from the family. Fortunately, the authorities intervened before any demands were made.

The student later admitted that despite being warned by his school about online scams, he still fell victim due to the sophistication of the impersonators.

Online Police Impersonation on the Rise

Authorities have warned that this type of scam—known as “online kidnapping”—is rapidly increasing. Criminals often impersonate police, prosecutors, or delivery staff through phone calls or video conferences. They claim the victim is involved in drug or money laundering investigations and must attend an online “interrogation”.

Once isolated, some victims have even been forced to tie themselves up or act distressed so the criminals can record videos to blackmail their families.

The Criminal Police Department has formed a dedicated investigation team to combat this crime, urging the public to remain cautious and report suspicious activity immediately.

Contact Information for Reporting Online Kidnapping Scams:

• PC02 Hotline: 0693.187.200

• Team 2 (Ho Chi Minh City Police): 028.3821.7080

Nearly a year after a fatal road accident that claimed the life of a 14-year-old schoolgirl, authorities in Vinh Long province have officially prosecuted the truck driver involved — even though the man is currently incapacitated after being shot by the victim’s father earlier this year.

On August 5, 33-year-old Nguyen Van Bao Trung was charged with “Violating regulations on road traffic participation” under Article 260 of Vietnam’s Penal Code. Trung is currently out on bail, but has not been able to work with investigators due to severe injuries sustained in a retaliatory shooting.

According to police, Trung has remained unconscious and unable to speak since April, when he was shot at close range by Nguyen Vinh Phuc — the grieving father of the schoolgirl killed in the September 2024 accident. Due to Trung’s condition, all legal documents were delivered to his residence, with his wife signing on his behalf.

The Fatal Accident

The fatal incident occurred on the morning of September 4, 2024, when Trung was driving a truck from Vam Vong commune to Vinh Xuan commune, Tra On District.

While attempting to overtake a parked pickup truck on a narrow road, Trung’s vehicle veered into the opposite lane. At that moment, three female students were approaching on electric bicycles. One girl managed to stop in time. The 14-year-old riding behind her, however, collided with her friend’s bike and fell into the path of Trung’s truck. She was run over and later died in hospital.

Initial Legal Controversy and Public Outcry

Initially, Tra On District Police declined to press charges, claiming that “no criminal offense had occurred.” The girl’s family filed multiple complaints, but both the district and provincial prosecutors’ offices rejected them.

In a shocking escalation, on April 28, 2025, Phuc — the victim’s father — broke into Trung’s house and shot him before turning the gun on himself. The attempted murder-suicide stunned the local community and reignited public outrage.

Shortly after, the Supreme People’s Procuracy reviewed the case and determined that the local decisions not to prosecute had lacked sufficient legal basis. Investigators found that Trung’s attempt to pass another vehicle on a narrow road — despite clear oncoming traffic — was both unlawful and the primary cause of the fatal crash.

The case was officially reopened, and Trung was named as the key suspect.

Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation

Trung survived the shooting but remains in a critical condition, suffering complete paralysis on one side of his body and significant loss of brain function.

The victim’s family has since filed a formal complaint to the Supreme People’s Procuracy, urging an investigation into possible judicial misconduct by local authorities. They allege that failures by prosecutors and police in the original investigation may have violated legal procedures and demand accountability from those responsible.

A Lao truck driver transporting 35 tons of bauxite ore mistakenly drove onto a beach in Da Nang after following Google Maps at night, becoming stranded in the sand. Fortunately, local residents came to his rescue, offering food, shelter, and even raising funds to help him continue his journey.

On August 4, local authorities in Thang An Ward (formerly part of Quang Nam Province) confirmed that they are continuing to assist the stranded driver, who crossed into Vietnam through the Nam Giang international border gate en route to Chu Lai Port, where the cargo was to be exported to China.

The incident happened late on August 1. With limited visibility and no knowledge of the area, the driver followed GPS instructions that led him directly onto Binh Minh Beach. His heavily loaded truck quickly sank into the soft sand and became immobilized.

By morning, locals discovered the exhausted and anxious man wandering near their homes, unable to communicate in Vietnamese. Realizing the situation, they welcomed him inside, offering food, clean clothes, and a place to rest.

On August 3, dozens of residents joined forces to help free the truck — using shovels to dig sand, attaching ropes, and working alongside a tow truck. By 9 p.m. the same day, the vehicle was successfully pulled to safety.

The kindness didn’t stop there. Moved by his plight and financial hardship, locals raised nearly 3.7 million VND (approx. $145 USD) through donations. Sadly, the driver lost the money somewhere on the beach. In response, residents and a local charity group launched a second fundraising effort, collecting an additional 4.8 million VND ($190 USD) by the next morning.

As the truck remains out of commission, Thang An authorities are now working directly with the driver to understand his needs and help him complete his journey.

A 36-year-old truck driver has been fined nearly 46 million VND (approx. $1,800) and had his license revoked for 11 months after dangerously swerving across multiple lanes on the HCMC – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway.

On August 4, the Cat Lai Traffic Police Team (under HCMC Traffic Police Department) issued a fine of 45 million VND for reckless driving under Decree 100, along with an additional 900,000 VND for failing to wear a seatbelt. His driving license was suspended for nearly a year.

The driver was caught on dashcam footage the afternoon of August 3 while operating a container truck from the An Phu interchange (Thu Duc City) toward Dong Nai. As he approached the Do Xuan Hop junction, the truck was seen dangerously weaving across all three lanes, obstructing and endangering vehicles behind. The footage quickly went viral on social media.

When questioned by authorities, the driver admitted his reckless behavior and cited emotional distress caused by family issues, claiming he was trying to “release his feelings.”

Nghe An, Vietnam – Police have detained Trần Văn An, 34, and six other individuals for allegedly stealing over two tons of dogs across more than 50 thefts over a three-month period in multiple areas of Nghe An Province.

On August 4, provincial police placed An, a resident of Dong Loc Commune, and Dương, 63, from Vinh Loc Ward, in temporary custody. They are being investigated for “Theft of Property” and “Consuming Property Obtained Through Crime,” under Articles 173 and 323 of the Penal Code.

Well-Organized, Nighttime Operations

According to investigators, beginning in May, the group organized nightly dog thefts using electroshock weapons, homemade swords, sacks, and duct tape. They used motorbikes to travel in pairs, targeting residential areas late at night or in the early morning hours. Each dog was subdued in just 15–20 seconds and quickly handed over to Dương for resale.

In late July and early August, multiple police teams were deployed to arrest the suspects. Authorities seized electroshock guns, homemade weapons, and other related equipment.

Over 50 Cases Across Multiple Districts

Police estimate that the group carried out more than 50 thefts across various communes and wards in Nghe An, stealing a total of over 2 tons of dogs.

All suspects reportedly have criminal records, including previous convictions for theft, fencing stolen goods, and gambling.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the group’s operations.

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast has officially inaugurated its first manufacturing plant outside of Vietnam, located in Tamil Nadu, India—marking a major milestone in its global expansion strategy.

The grand opening took place on August 4 at the Sipcot Industrial Park in Thoothukudi. The new facility represents a total planned investment of $2 billion, with an initial phase investment of $500 million. It is situated in the world’s third-largest auto market, reflecting VinFast’s ambitions to become a major global EV player.

High-Tech Manufacturing Hub on 160 Hectares

Spanning 160 hectares, the Tamil Nadu plant features internationally standardized production lines with high automation and advanced technology. It includes key workshops for body welding, painting, assembly, quality control, and logistics. The complex also features auxiliary zones to support local contractors, which are expected to expand in the coming years.

In the initial phase, VinFast will assemble its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUV models, with a projected annual output of 50,000 vehicles, scalable up to 150,000 units depending on market demand. This plant is a strategic step toward VinFast’s global goal of selling 200,000 EVs in 2025 and reaching 1 million units annually by 2030.

Job Creation and Regional Economic Impact

The factory is expected to directly employ between 3,000 and 3,500 workers, and support thousands more through its supply chain ecosystem. According to Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, the project underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian market and lays the foundation for sustainable growth in the region.

During the inauguration, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin signed the first electric vehicle to roll off the assembly line—symbolizing the partnership between local authorities and the Vietnamese automaker.

Aiming to Become South Asia’s EV Hub

“VinFast Tamil Nadu will give Indian consumers access to high-quality, competitively priced EVs,” Chau said, adding that the facility is poised to become VinFast’s largest export base for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

“We have already received our first orders from countries across these regions. Our ambition is to make Tamil Nadu the EV capital of South Asia,” he said.

Beyond expanding global production capacity, VinFast aims to support India’s green industrial goals by promoting local supplier partnerships, technology transfer, and workforce development. The company places strong emphasis on localization, sustainability, and circular production practices.

Building a Comprehensive EV Ecosystem in India

Since its official entry into India earlier this year, VinFast has pursued the development of a comprehensive EV ecosystem, spanning vehicle assembly, distribution, after-sales service, and battery recycling.

The company has partnered with local dealerships, launched digital services and customer care programs, and signed a recycling agreement with BatX Energies to recover and repurpose used batteries, supporting its vision of a circular manufacturing model.

In a first for Vietnamese cinema, actress and beauty queen Nguyễn Thúc Thùy Tiên has been digitally replaced by an AI-generated actor in the upcoming film Chốt đơn (“Closing the Deal”) following her arrest in May.

On August 4, the film’s production team held a press screening in Ho Chi Minh City after a nearly two-month delay. Thùy Tiên, who played the lead role of Hoàng Linh—a dynamic CEO of a livestream sales company—was originally featured in approximately 70% of the film’s scenes. However, after she was detained for allegedly deceiving customers under Article 198 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, producers opted for a groundbreaking solution: using artificial intelligence to recreate her character.

AI Replaces Lead Role in Groundbreaking Move

Directors Bảo Nhân and Nam Cito confirmed that digital human technology was used to fully generate a new version of the character, including her face and body. Initially hesitant about using AI due to concerns over realism, the filmmakers were ultimately impressed by test footage provided by the VFX team.

Thùy Tiên’s voice was also replaced in post-production, with actress Huỳnh Bảo Ngọc providing the dubbed lines. The final result retains some resemblance to the original actress, though viewers noted the digital character’s facial expressions were less lifelike, especially in close-ups and fast-paced scenes.

Despite the digital replacement, the story and 113-minute runtime of the film remain unchanged. The production’s legal representative stated that removing Thùy Tiên’s name from marketing materials did not violate any personality rights, as her likeness had been completely removed from the final version.

Studio Faced Tough Decision

Chốt đơn is Thùy Tiên’s second film appearance. According to Galaxy Studio CEO Đinh Thị Thanh Hương, the team initially considered canceling the project altogether. “This film is the result of 200 days of hard work and sweat from the entire crew,” she said. “We decided to move forward despite the challenges.”

The replacement process added significant production costs and delayed promotional efforts. The film is set to premiere on August 8.

Story Explores E-Commerce and Livestream Culture

The film follows the story of Hoàng Linh (originally played by Thùy Tiên), the head of an online sales company, and An (played by Quyền Linh), a motorbike ride-hailing driver. The cast also features veteran actors Hồng Đào, Hồng Vân, and younger talents such as Khương Lê, Lê Lộc, Mai Bảo Vinh, Đỗ Nhật Hà, and child actress Mộc Trà. Chốt đơn is the first Vietnamese feature film to explore the growing livestream e-commerce industry.

Legal Troubles Impact Career and Partnerships

Thùy Tiên was taken into custody by the Ministry of Public Security’s investigative agency (C01) for her alleged involvement in fraudulent sales related to the Kera candy product, linked to social media influencers Hằng Du Mục and Quang Linh Vlogs. She reportedly held a 30% stake in the company Chị Em Rọt and profited accordingly. Over 135,000 boxes of Kera candy were sold to more than 30,000 customers.

Prior to this, she had already been fined for failing to disclose sponsorship details in her product promotions on social media.

The scandal has led to reputational damage and severed partnerships. French fashion house Dior removed Thùy Tiên from its fanpage after previously naming her a “Friend of the House.” Meanwhile, Chốt đơn‘s producers temporarily shut down the film’s official social media accounts amid public backlash.

Rise and Fall of a Beauty Queen

Nguyễn Thúc Thùy Tiên, 27, from Ho Chi Minh City, was crowned Miss Grand International 2021 in Thailand. The win catapulted her into fame, making her a sought-after brand ambassador and TV personality in Vietnam. In 2024, she starred in Linh Miêu, a horror-comedy directed by Lưu Thành Luân, which grossed over VND 87 billion (approx. USD 3.5 million) despite receiving criticism for its weak script.