Deputy Prime Minister directs handling of the case of the national treasure "Nguyen Dynasty Throne" being vandalized - Lang Son Newspaper and Radio and Television Station

Image of the Nguyen Dynasty Throne according to the application for recognition as a National Treasure. Photo: Provided by the Department of Cultural Heritage

On May 24, 2025, the media reported that the national treasure "Nguyen Dynasty Throne" displayed at Thai Hoa Palace in Hue Monuments was vandalized. According to information from the Department of Cultural Heritage, at 11:55 a.m. on May 24, 2025, Ho Van Phuong Tam, born on February 10, 1983, residing at Group 7, Area 4, Huong Long Ward, Phu Xuan District, Hue City, bought an entrance ticket to Hue Imperial City.

Through camera extraction and initial investigation by the authorities, at the time of the incident, two security guards, Dang Quang Long and Dao Hoang Vu, were both present in the Thai Hoa Palace area. When entering the Thai Hoa Palace area, the subject showed abnormal behavior, a security guard invited the subject to go to the back of the palace. However, the subject then returned, sneaked into the Nguyen Dynasty throne display area, shouted and then broke the front left armrest.

To prevent the subject from acting rashly and destroying other exhibits, security guards approached from a distance, reminded the subject to go outside, and called for additional support. At 12:10 p.m., Tam was subdued and reported to Dong Ba Ward Police to make a record of the arrest.

Immediately afterwards, the Dong Ba Ward Police force made a record of the arrest of Ho Van Phuong Tam, but were unable to record his statement because he showed signs of mental disorder, screaming, and talking nonsense and could not answer the investigator's questions.

The Investigation Police Agency of Hue City Police is conducting a psychiatric assessment of Ho Van Phuong Tam and coordinating with the People's Procuracy of Phu Xuan District to collect documents and evidence to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the relevant parties in order to resolve the case in accordance with the procedures and regulations of the law.

Regarding this matter, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh requested the People's Committee of Hue City to urgently direct the inspection and assessment of the technical condition of the national treasure "Nguyen Dynasty Throne", and propose solutions for preservation and restoration in accordance with the provisions of law.

Organize reviews, draw lessons and handle responsibilities of relevant individuals and organizations, to prevent similar cases from happening; send reports to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for synthesis and reporting to the Prime Minister before June 1, 2025.

At the same time, direct a comprehensive review, strengthen the management, protection of security and safety of Hue Monuments and relics, antiquities, and national treasures belonging to Hue Monuments as well as the management of relics in the area; proactively develop plans to prevent, detect early and be ready to stop and handle acts of encroachment and sabotage. Promote propaganda and education to raise awareness and awareness of protecting cultural heritage in the community.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall direct a general review and assessment of the display, preservation, protection and measures to ensure the security and safety of national treasures nationwide; promptly strengthen measures to ensure absolute safety of recognized national treasures and valuable artifacts and antiques at relics and scenic spots in accordance with the provisions of law; report to the Prime Minister on the implementation results before June 15, 2025.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/pho-thu-tuong-chi-dao-xu-ly-vu-viec-bao-vat-quoc-gia-ngai-vua-trieu-nguyen-bi-pha-hoai-5048206.html