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Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc Shine in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025

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Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc have made Vietnam proud, earning high honors in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, thanks to their unique cultural charm, breathtaking scenery, and increasingly sophisticated tourism services.

Ho Chi Minh City ranked 7th among the best cities in Asia Pacific, joining an elite group topped by Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, and Hong Kong. Known as Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, Ho Chi Minh City blends vibrant street life with modern skyscrapers, French colonial landmarks, and dynamic nightlife. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the War Remnants Museum, or shop in bustling markets such as Ben Thanh. The city’s culinary scene—ranging from street food stalls to fine dining—also captivates international travelers.

Phu Quoc, often called the “pearl island” of Vietnam, secured 3rd place in the top 10 islands in the region, alongside favorites like Bali, Koh Samui, Palawan, Phuket, and Langkawi. Phu Quoc continues to charm tourists with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts. Beyond sun and sea, visitors can discover the island’s national park, pepper farms, fish sauce factories, and vibrant night markets, making it a well-rounded destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Tourism data underscores this growing appeal. Ho Chi Minh City welcomed over 1.63 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2025, up 18.2% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Phu Quoc attracted more than 4.4 million visitors in the first half of the year, including 882,000 foreign tourists, marking a 76.7% surge compared to the same period last year.

With world-class accommodations, rich cultural experiences, and warm hospitality, both Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc are reaffirming Vietnam’s place on the luxury tourism map of Asia.

Hong Kong Overtakes Singapore as Asia’s Most International City

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Hong Kong has narrowly surpassed Singapore to claim the top spot in a new index ranking Asia’s most international cities. The Asian Cities Internationality Index, released last week by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, awarded Hong Kong a score of 73.7 out of 100, edging past Singapore by just 0.2 points.

The index assessed 11 major cities in the region using 113 indicators across seven categories: business and economy, quality of life, infrastructure and connectivity, innovation and ideas, human capital diversity, cultural interaction, and the government and legal system for business. In addition to official data, the study gathered insights from 1,107 senior business executives working in these cities.

Hong Kong was praised for its status as a global financial hub, its ability to host major international events, and its safe, free, and stable living environment. Singapore, while close behind, was recognized for its multicultural society and success in attracting and nurturing diverse talent.

According to the chamber, Hong Kong’s overall victory was largely driven by its strength in business and economic factors. However, the city fell short in innovation and ideas, ranking fourth behind Shanghai, Singapore, and Seoul in that category. The chamber’s CEO, Patrick Yeung Wai-tim, noted that Hong Kong’s scientific research still has limited commercialization and that local businesses invest relatively little in research and development.

The index placed Tokyo in third position, followed by Seoul, Shanghai, and Bangkok rounding out the top six. Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mumbai completed the list.

Foreign Tourist Nearly Hit by Train While Filming at Hanoi’s Iconic “Train Street” Café

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HANOI — A foreign tourist had a near-death experience at Hanoi’s famous “Train Street” café area after becoming too focused on filming a passing train.

The incident, which was caught on video and has since gone viral on social media, shows the man losing his footing and falling toward the train as it sped by. Fortunately, nearby visitors managed to pull him back just in time, though tables and drinks were swept under the train’s wheels.

According to Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department (under the Ministry of Public Security), authorities have instructed relevant units to verify the clip and review potential violations. The footage, shared widely online, highlights ongoing safety risks along this stretch of railway where tourists often gather for the thrill of watching trains pass just inches away.

The video was reportedly filmed at night, showing large crowds seated within the railway corridor in the Train Street café zone. As a train approached, the driver sounded the horn repeatedly to warn those nearby. The foreign man, distracted while filming on his phone, slipped and fell toward the tracks, narrowly avoiding disaster thanks to the quick reactions of those around him.

The incident has sparked criticism from the public, with many condemning such reckless behavior that endangers both visitors and train operations. Officials noted that, despite ongoing efforts to enforce railway safety—including educational campaigns and crackdowns on cafés operating illegally within the railway safety corridor—some businesses continue to violate regulations under the guise of supporting local tourism.

Train Street, which spans about two kilometers through Hanoi’s Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem districts, connecting streets like Le Duan, Tran Phu, Cua Dong, and Phung Hung, has been described by international media as a “must-see” attraction. The unique setting, where trains pass just inches from houses and cafés, has drawn both fascination and concern.

In October 2019, Hanoi authorities ordered a crackdown on businesses encroaching on the railway, citing safety risks and threats to public order. More recently, the Hanoi Department of Tourism issued a directive instructing travel companies not to promote or organize tours to the Train Street café area.

Vietnam Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Da Nang to Assist Passenger

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Da Nang, Vietnam — A Vietnam Airlines flight from Hanoi to Cam Ranh was forced to make an emergency landing at Da Nang International Airport on June 29 to provide urgent medical assistance to a passenger experiencing health issues.

According to Vietnam Airlines, flight VN7569, which departed Hanoi at 8:35 p.m. on June 29, had been en route to Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa province) when, about 30 minutes after takeoff, a 37-year-old passenger identified as N.V.D., seated in 38B, showed signs of medical distress.

The cabin crew immediately issued an announcement requesting medical assistance from any qualified passengers onboard and provided initial first aid, including administering oxygen. As the passenger’s condition did not improve, the captain decided to divert the flight and make an emergency landing at Da Nang Airport. Ground medical teams were alerted in advance to provide prompt support upon arrival.

The aircraft landed safely, and the passenger was quickly transferred to a local medical facility for further monitoring and treatment. By 11:00 p.m. the same night, flight VN7569 resumed its journey to Cam Ranh.

This incident is one of several in which Vietnam Airlines has altered its flight path to prioritize passenger health and safety. Earlier, on June 16, flight VN158 from Da Nang to Hanoi diverted to Phu Bai Airport (Hue) to assist a female passenger in need of medical care. Similarly, on May 5, flight VN35 from Hanoi to Frankfurt made an emergency landing at Erzurum Airport in Turkey for the same reason.

Vietnam Approves Limited Visa Waiver for Foreigners in Special Categories

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HANOI — Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved a new policy allowing limited visa exemptions for select foreign nationals who qualify for preferential treatment.

The visa waiver will apply to foreigners whose contributions are considered important for Vietnam’s socio-economic development. This includes select tourists, billionaires, scientists, experts, prominent public figures, artists, and elite athletes.

The government emphasized that national security, public order, and defence considerations will guide the implementation of this policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security have been tasked with identifying additional eligible groups and accelerating agreements for reciprocal visa waivers with partner countries.

Vietnam also plans to simplify administrative procedures, upgrade its e-visa system for greater transparency and efficiency, and review its visa policies, including rules for temporary residence cards and residency options.

Currently, Vietnam offers visa waivers to citizens of just 25 countries — significantly fewer than regional peers. Thailand, for example, has expanded its list to 93 countries, while Malaysia offers visa waivers to 158 countries. Vietnam’s e-visa processing time of 3–5 days also lags behind faster systems in the region.

The government aims to modernize its visa policies to support economic and social development while ensuring national security.

Foreign tourist dies while having breakfast on Ha Long Bay Cruise

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Quang Ninh, Vietnam — A Taiwanese tourist tragically passed away after losing consciousness while having breakfast on a five-star cruise ship in Ha Long Bay on June 27.

According to Hoang Dinh Thanh, Deputy Director of Bai Chay Hospital in Ha Long City, the hospital received an emergency call at 9:26 a.m. reporting that a foreign passenger had lost consciousness on board a cruise ship. The victim was identified as Huang Hsiu Hsing, 66, holding Taiwanese (China) nationality, with passport number 368402xxx and visa number DB 0189xxx.

A medical team was immediately dispatched to the port and reached the patient at 9:50 a.m. when the vessel docked. At that point, basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was already being performed. The medical team noted a large amount of food and digestive fluid obstructing the throat area, and the patient’s carotid pulse was faint and irregular.

Emergency responders cleared and secured the airway, continued chest compressions, and transported the patient to Bai Chay Hospital. Despite ongoing efforts, the patient experienced cardiac arrest en route. At the hospital, advanced resuscitation procedures were administered for 60 minutes, but no pulse was restored. The hospital ultimately pronounced the patient deceased, with no signs of recovery.

Local authorities, including the Giếng Đáy Ward Police, have been notified and are coordinating further procedures. Ms. Huang had been a passenger on the Paradise Elegance QN 8866 cruise, which was returning to Tuan Chau Port to disembark guests when the incident occurred

Vietnam Decentralizes Work Permit Issuance for Foreign Nationals from July 1, 2025

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HANOI — Beginning July 1, 2025, Vietnam will officially transfer the authority to issue work permits for foreign nationals from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to the Chairpersons of provincial People’s Committees. This change is part of Government Decree No. 128/2025/NĐ-CP, which aims to decentralize state management in the field of home affairs and streamline administrative procedures for foreign labor in the country.

Under this new regulation, provincial Chairpersons will have full authority to approve employers’ requests to hire foreign workers, grant exemptions from work permit requirements, and issue, reissue, extend, or revoke work permits. The decree also revises the language used in existing regulations, replacing references to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs with the relevant provincial People’s Committees or Departments of Home Affairs.

Foreign workers and their employers will now deal directly with provincial authorities when applying for or renewing work permits. The required application documents remain extensive and include a written request from the employer, a valid health certificate issued within the past 12 months, a criminal background check issued within the last six months, proof of professional qualifications, recent passport-sized photographs, and a certified copy of the applicant’s passport. Additional documentation may be required depending on the specific nature of the employment or exemption status.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Vietnam had 161,992 foreign workers by the end of 2024. Of these, 12,797 were exempt from work permit requirements, while 149,195 were required to hold valid permits. The majority of these foreign workers came from China, South Korea, Taiwan (China), and Japan. Workers from other countries accounted for just over 28 percent of the total. Most foreign employees in Vietnam are male, with around 86 percent aged 30 or older.

This regulatory shift marks a significant step toward localized governance and is expected to improve responsiveness and efficiency in the management of foreign labor across Vietnam’s provinces.

Iran and Israel May Be Headed Back to War?

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A U.S.-brokered ceasefire by President Donald Trump has momentarily halted the most intense confrontation between Iran and Israel in years. But with tensions still simmering, signs are emerging that the truce may not hold for long.

Just weeks ago, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing key scientists and commanders. Iran retaliated with long-range missile attacks targeting Israeli cities. The United States later joined the offensive by striking Iranian nuclear facilities. Although the ceasefire agreement paused further escalation, the situation on the ground remains volatile.

Why This Matters

The Iran-Israel conflict is not just a bilateral issue—it threatens to destabilize the broader Middle East, disrupt global energy markets, and entangle global powers. Any renewed military engagement could endanger vital shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf, trigger unrest in countries like Lebanon and Syria, and force the U.S. and its allies into a deeper military commitment in the region.

Here are four signs that point to the possibility of a renewed conflict between Iran and Israel:

1. Iran’s Nuclear Program Remains a Flashpoint

Despite heavy damage from Israeli and U.S. airstrikes, Iran’s nuclear program remains largely intact. According to a recent U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessment, the attacks only delayed Iran’s nuclear development by several months, as key underground facilities and centrifuges were not destroyed.

Compounding the concern, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Iran has reduced cooperation with inspectors and significantly increased its enriched uranium stockpile, far exceeding previous agreements. For Israel, the persistent nuclear threat and Iran’s growing defiance of international norms could justify renewed military action.

An Iranian missile crashed near the city of Baqa al-Gharbiya in northern Israel. (Photo: AFP)

2. Ceasefire Tensions Already Mounting

The ceasefire itself is showing signs of strain. Israel has accused Iran of continuing missile activity, including a strike that hit a residential building in Beersheba, killing four civilians. Iran claims the missile was launched before the ceasefire came into effect. At the same time, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly targeted Iranian missile facilities, prompting criticism from the White House and calls for restraint.

In northern Iran, several unidentified drones were recently intercepted, raising further questions about potential violations of the truce by covert actors.

3. Covert Warfare on the Rise

Iranian authorities say they have arrested over 700 individuals allegedly involved in a Mossad-linked espionage network. These arrests follow a wave of assassinations, car bombings, and drone strikes inside Iran—operations Tehran attributes to Israeli intelligence.

Iran has responded with public executions of several suspected spies and promised severe retaliation. As these covert operations escalate, so too does the risk of open conflict, particularly if either side crosses a red line.

4. Hostile Rhetoric Leaves Little Room for Diplomacy

Leaders on both sides continue to issue inflammatory statements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the recent military campaign a “historic victory” and warned that Israel would strike again if Iran resumed nuclear activities. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian countered by hailing Iran’s resistance as a “great victory” and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to confronting “Zionist aggression.”

This hardened rhetoric underscores the deeply entrenched positions of both governments and diminishes hopes for de-escalation in the near term.

What Comes Next?

While the ceasefire remains technically in place, its future appears uncertain. Iran insists that its nuclear capabilities remain operational, and Israel has shown a willingness to continue covert and overt military actions. Without a comprehensive and enforceable diplomatic agreement—particularly one that addresses nuclear safeguards and mutual de-escalation—the fragile peace may soon collapse.

President Trump’s administration faces a difficult balancing act: maintaining regional stability while avoiding further escalation. But with both Iran and Israel signaling their readiness to act, the risk of renewed war remains alarmingly high.

Vietnam to cut 38 newspapers, 100 magazines, and 33 TV stations in media reform campaign

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Vietnam’s ongoing media restructuring plan will result in the reduction of 38 newspapers, nearly 100 magazines, and 33 radio and television broadcasters, affecting approximately 18,000 employees across the country. The information was revealed by Mr. Luu Dinh Phuc, Director General of the Authority of Press under the Ministry of Information and Communications, during the first Party Congress of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the 2025–2030 term.

In his presentation, Mr. Phuc reflected on the lessons learned from the process of building media models and policies in the context of what he referred to as a “lean revolution.”

“Vietnam’s revolutionary press has marked over a century of important contributions to the Party’s mission. However, it now faces a significant challenge—how to secure sustainable revenue and reshape its development model after streamlining,” he stated.

Nearly Half of Vietnam’s Media Workforce to Be Affected

Compared to the 2019 media restructuring, which saw 58 newspapers and 115 magazines closed and impacted around 1,500 people, the current reform is far more expansive. According to Mr. Phuc, the new plan affects nearly 18,000 individuals—around 44% of the nation’s media personnel. Of these, approximately 9,000 are in the radio and television sector alone.

This sweeping change has raised pressing questions, said Mr. Phuc: What is the Party and State’s stance on developing the press post-reform? What is the role and position of the media in this new landscape? How should the press evolve to uphold its legacy and fulfill the mission entrusted by the Party and the people, especially after being awarded the Ho Chi Minh Order for the second time?

Answering these questions, Mr. Phuc emphasized that the press must retain its leading role on the ideological front, helping to inform, guide, and unify public understanding. The media, he argued, must continue defending the ideological foundation of the Communist Party, promoting national cultural values, and fostering the comprehensive development of Vietnamese people in the new era.

He added that although Vietnam’s media landscape is vast, it remains scattered and inconsistent in influence. Therefore, the country must build strong, national-level media organizations capable of guiding public opinion both domestically and internationally, serving as pillars in shaping and maintaining informational direction.

“The requirement to streamline the media poses new demands for revolutionary journalism—higher quality, more effective workforce, and better policy mechanisms. We must aim to develop a professional, humane, and modern press,” Mr. Phuc asserted.

Journalism Must Lead Vietnam’s Communications Strategy

Mr. Phuc further stressed that journalism must be the core force in national communications, helping to shape public perception and create societal consensus for the government’s reform agenda.

“Now that the engine is running, communications must help accelerate it—ensuring public, social, and business interests are aligned with national development goals. We need to elevate our global competitiveness and reinforce the Party’s strategic leadership in harmony with public sentiment,” he said.

He also underlined that journalists have a “dual responsibility”: to promote reform while simultaneously reforming themselves. The press must evolve to become more professional, modern, and people-oriented.

Four Key Lessons from the Press Restructuring Experience

Drawing on Vietnam’s experience in media reform, Mr. Phuc shared four critical lessons:

First, he emphasized that communication must begin from the people’s hearts. Broad public support has been essential to the success of the Party’s decisions, including the current streamlining effort. For the first time, Party resolutions were broadcast live for public viewing, allowing citizens to follow and understand the leadership’s vision.

“Effective communication must be rooted in public understanding and trust. Policies and messages must be people-centered and action-driven. Persuading the public is the key to achieving broad social consensus,” Mr. Phuc said.

Second, he highlighted the importance of deeply understanding Party resolutions. Leaders and policymakers must grasp the spirit of these resolutions thoroughly to ensure proper and effective implementation.

Third, he advised looking at reforms from a national strategic perspective. The streamlining policy, including the media reforms, should be viewed in the broader context of Vietnam’s development goals—allowing for a deeper understanding of its social and humanistic implications and the national aspiration for progress.

Finally, he stressed the need for consistent awareness and decisive action. Media reform must go hand in hand with institutional transformation. Leaders must demonstrate sharp thinking, adaptability, and strong commitment to execution. Only when thought and action are aligned can decentralization, streamlining, and modernization be effectively achieved.

Did a U.S B-2 Bomber Really Crash in Iran?

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An image claiming to show the wreckage of a US B-2 stealth bomber on Iranian soil has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread speculation following recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

On June 22, amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the US military launched coordinated airstrikes targeting three major Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The strikes were carried out using B-2 stealth bombers, among the most advanced long-range aircraft in the US arsenal.

President Donald Trump later announced that the strikes had inflicted “tremendous damage” and had effectively “wiped out” the targeted facilities. However, just hours after the announcement, an image began circulating rapidly online, purporting to show the wreckage of a B-2 bomber allegedly shot down by Iranian air defenses.

The image quickly gained traction, with social media users claiming the aircraft had failed to exit Iranian airspace in time. A widely shared post on platform X (formerly Twitter) declared: “Breaking: Iran shoots down US B-2 bomber,” alongside what appeared to be a photograph of a wrecked aircraft.

The claim, however, was swiftly debunked. Fact-checking organization Newschecker conducted a thorough investigation and determined that the image was not authentic but generated using artificial intelligence. After searching for reports using keywords such as “US B-2 bomber” and “Iran,” Newschecker found no confirmation from reputable media outlets or government sources of any US aircraft being shot down.

In fact, several trusted news agencies reported that the B-2 bombers safely returned to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri after completing their missions. Supporting this, the official White House account on X posted video footage of the stealth bombers landing safely, further disproving the online rumors.

Closer analysis of the viral image revealed several anomalies typical of AI-generated visuals. One figure standing beside the supposed wreckage appeared to have parts of their body merging into the background, while several faces in the image were blurry or distorted—common flaws seen in AI-created images.

To verify its authenticity, Newschecker used several detection tools including Sightengine, IsItAI, and WasItAI. All three platforms concluded with over 99% confidence that the image was artificially generated. Sightengine reported a 99% likelihood the image was created by AI, while WasItAI stated they were “almost certain” the image—or most of it—had been AI-generated.

In conclusion, despite the viral nature of the claim, there is no credible evidence that a US B-2 bomber was shot down over Iran. The image in question has been thoroughly debunked as AI-generated misinformation, underscoring the importance of verifying content before drawing conclusions in times of geopolitical tension.

Four Foreigners Arrested for Pepper Spray Carjacking in Vietnam

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Authorities in Thanh Hoa Province have arrested four Chinese nationals suspected of carrying out a violent carjacking involving pepper spray against a Vietnamese driver.

According to the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on June 12. The victim, a 31-year-old ride-hailing driver identified as N.T.M. from Hai Ninh Ward, Nghi Son Town, was driving on the North-South Expressway and exited at Dong Xuan interchange in Thanh Hoa City.

At the exit ramp, he noticed four strangers standing on the roadside signaling for a ride. As he approached and rolled down the window, the individuals allegedly sprayed him in the face with pepper spray, forcibly took his car, and fled with other personal belongings.

Thanh Hoa’s Criminal Police Division quickly launched a manhunt, working in coordination with Bac Giang Provincial Police.

By 7:00 a.m. the same day, the suspects were apprehended as they attempted to flee back to China. The stolen vehicle was recovered.

The identities of the suspects have not yet been released by Thanh Hoa authorities as the investigation is ongoing.

Vietnam Enters Global Top 15 in AI

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HANOI, June 26 – Vietnam has officially joined the ranks of the world’s top 15 artificial intelligence (AI) nations, following the inclusion of two AI factories operated by FPT Corporation in the June 2025 edition of the TOP500 list—a globally recognized ranking of the most powerful supercomputers.

FPT’s AI factories, located in Vietnam and Japan, claimed the 36th and 38th spots, respectively, marking a historic milestone for Vietnam in the global AI race.

A Breakthrough Moment for Vietnamese Tech

The two factories, which began operations in November 2024, are the result of FPT’s long-term commitment to building high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure to support advanced AI development. Their capabilities have already attracted the attention of international tech leaders, including LandingAI, which is working with FPT to develop next-generation AI solutions.

FPT announced plans to establish three additional AI factories worldwide within the next five years, reinforcing its ambition to position Vietnam as a regional powerhouse in AI computing.

Global Recognition Through TOP500

The TOP500 list, now in its 65th edition, is widely regarded as the authoritative benchmark for supercomputing performance. Published twice a year, it ranks systems based on the LINPACK benchmark, which measures how efficiently a computer solves large systems of linear equations—critical for AI, scientific research, and big data applications.

With its two AI factories making the list, FPT has propelled Vietnam into an elite group of AI leaders that includes the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and France. This is the first time Vietnam has appeared in the global top 15for AI infrastructure, highlighting its growing capabilities in the technology sector.

A New Chapter for AI in Vietnam

The recognition from TOP500 is not only a testament to FPT’s computational power and technical innovation but also an endorsement of its international service standards. These AI facilities are equipped to support the full spectrum of AI activities—from research and development to deployment—catering to businesses, academic institutions, and developers around the world.

“This marks a significant step forward for Vietnam’s digital future,” said a technology analyst in Hanoi. “It shows that the country is no longer just a participant but an emerging leader in the global AI ecosystem.”

As Vietnam sets its sights on becoming a regional AI hub, FPT’s success underscores the country’s potential to compete in high-tech innovation on a global scale.

Vietnam Insider will continue to follow Vietnam’s AI breakthroughs and their impact on the regional and global technology landscape.

Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for Embezzlement, Spares Life of Billionaire Tycoon

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HANOI, June 26 – Vietnam’s National Assembly has passed a significant amendment to the Criminal Code that will abolish the death penalty for eight criminal offenses, including embezzlement and efforts to overthrow the government. The reform, approved unanimously on Wednesday, will take effect from July 1, 2025.

The decision has immediate and far-reaching implications, including for high-profile individuals such as real estate tycoon Truong My Lan, who was sentenced to death in 2023 for her role in a $12 billion financial scandal involving Saigon Commercial Bank. Under the new law, Lan’s sentence will be automatically commuted to life imprisonment. Her legal team has yet to respond to requests for comment, but independent lawyer Ngo Anh Tuan confirmed that the amendment guarantees her reprieve.

The revised law stipulates that individuals previously sentenced to death for now-excluded crimes, and who have not yet been executed, will also have their sentences reduced to life in prison. Alongside embezzlement and anti-government activities, the other offenses removed from the list of capital crimes include vandalizing state property, manufacturing counterfeit medicine, acts threatening peace, starting aggressive wars, espionage, and the possession of illegal drugs. However, drug trafficking remains punishable by death.

This legislative change marks one of the most substantial reductions in the use of capital punishment in Vietnam in recent years. While the country continues to retain the death penalty for serious crimes such as murder, treason, terrorism, and child sexual abuse, this move signals a possible shift in legal and political attitudes, particularly in cases involving financial crimes and non-violent offenses.

Vietnam does not release official data on executions, as capital punishment remains a state secret. The country abolished firing squads in 2011, with lethal injection now used as the sole method of execution. Although the government has not linked the reform to any specific case, many observers believe the timing—coming shortly after the high-profile sentencing of Lan—reflects growing domestic and international attention on Vietnam’s use of the death penalty.

The move also comes amid broader efforts by Vietnamese authorities to modernize the country’s legal system, improve its human rights record, and demonstrate greater alignment with international legal norms.

Vietnam Insider will continue to follow this story as the new law takes effect next month.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Optimistic About U.S. Trade Deal Ahead of July Tariff Deadline

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed confidence on Wednesday that Vietnam and the United States would reach a trade agreement before early July, when a temporary pause on steep 46% reciprocal tariffs is set to expire.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Tianjin, China, during a panel titled “Is Asia’s Century at Risk?”, PM Chinh emphasized ongoing diplomatic efforts and frequent communications between Hanoi and Washington on trade-related issues.

“I believe you will see a result even sooner than two weeks,” Chinh said. “Vietnam and the U.S. have a strong mutual understanding when it comes to tariffs. I’m hopeful that positive outcomes are on the horizon.”

Avoiding a Trade Setback

Vietnam, a key manufacturing powerhouse in Southeast Asia, is aiming to avoid the reinstatement of the 46% tariff, which had previously been imposed due to the country’s significant trade surplus with the U.S.

Negotiations between the two countries have been ongoing, with the most recent round concluding last week. Sources indicate the U.S. has submitted a list of trade demands to Vietnam—described by Vietnamese officials as “tough”—including pressure to reduce reliance on Chinese technology in goods assembled in Vietnam and exported to the U.S.

Trade Surplus Hits Post-Pandemic High

Vietnam’s trade surplus with the United States reached $12.2 billion in May, a 42% year-on-year increase and a 17% jump from April, according to government statistics. Exports to the U.S. soared to $13.8 billion, marking a post-pandemic peak.

This trade imbalance has attracted scrutiny from Washington, prompting the Biden administration to call for stronger oversight of trans-shipment practices, particularly where Chinese-origin goods are disguised as Vietnamese exports.

Vietnam’s Concessions and Strategic Moves

In response, Vietnam has taken steps to tighten control over illegal trans-shipment and signaled its willingness to ease non-tariff barriers. Hanoi has also expressed interest in boosting imports of U.S. goods, including aircraft, agricultural products, and energy supplies—though no official agreements have been signed yet.

While trade tensions remain, both sides appear eager to avoid a breakdown that could disrupt billions in bilateral commerce.

“Vietnam’s proactive engagement reflects its broader strategy to strengthen ties with the U.S. while balancing its global trade relationships,” said an official familiar with the negotiations.

Vietnam Insider will continue to monitor developments as the July deadline approaches.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and Google Launch Joint Campaign to Combat Online Scams

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HANOI, June 26 — In response to the alarming rise of online scams in Vietnam, the Ministry of Public Security and Google have officially launched a nationwide digital safety campaign titled “Safer with the Ministry of Public Security and Google.” The initiative aims to equip citizens with critical knowledge and tools to identify and avoid increasingly sophisticated forms of cyber fraud.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, Vietnam recorded over 6,000 cases of online fraud in 2024, with financial losses exceeding VND 12 trillion (approximately USD 470 million). A recent survey also revealed that 70% of Vietnamese citizens encounter at least one scam call or message each month, underlining the urgent need for improved cybersecurity awareness.

The campaign is spearheaded by the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05) and is designed to promote digital safety across the country, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Joint Action Against Digital Crime

Speaking at the launch event, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Ba Son, Deputy Director of A05, emphasized the department’s efforts to monitor, investigate, and dismantle cybercriminal networks, with a strong focus on online financial fraud.

“Cyber fraud remains a pressing issue and is expected to grow more complex unless addressed with sustainable and impactful solutions,” Son said. He stressed the importance of public education, especially in raising awareness among internet users, as a key measure in curbing cybercrime.

“To be truly effective, this mission requires the collective involvement of society—including collaboration with global tech companies with large user bases in Vietnam,” he added, commending Google for its proactive engagement and commitment.

A United Front for Digital Safety

“This campaign represents a responsible partnership between government agencies, tech companies, and social organizations to safeguard Vietnamese citizens online,” Lieutenant Colonel Son noted.

The campaign will focus on seven of the most common types of online scams in Vietnam: Impersonation of educational institutions; Refund scams (claiming suspended funds); Fake service payment requests; Online shopping and travel fraud; Impersonation of law enforcement or government officials; Romance scams with financial exploitation; Fake investment platforms

Tech Solutions and Educational Outreach

Marc Woo, Country Director of Google Vietnam, reiterated Google’s commitment to combating cybercrime: “We recognize the growing threat posed by online scams and are committed to leveraging our technology to tackle this alarming challenge.”

As part of the initiative, the campaign will release a series of eight one-minute educational videos featuring experts from Google and the Ministry of Public Security. These videos aim to break down the most common scam tactics and offer practical tips and tools to help users stay safe online.

Beyond public education, the collaboration includes platform security enhancements, user guidance, capacity building, and rapid response efforts—all working toward reducing the impact of cyber scams nationwide.

This public-private partnership is expected to help build a resilient and trustworthy digital future in Vietnam, where citizens and businesses alike can unlock the full potential of the internet with greater confidence and safety.