Fifty-one years ago, after the nation had just celebrated its reunification on April 30, 1975, blood was still being shed in Tho Chau. Taking advantage of the revolutionary government's predicament after liberation, the reactionary Khmer Rouge group invaded and occupied the Tho Chau archipelago on May 10, 1975, committing heinous crimes by abducting more than 500 innocent civilians. To this day, the whereabouts of those people remain a source of deep sorrow and an unfillable void.
A view of Tho Chau Island. Photo: LE TRUNG HIEU
Determined not to let any sacred land fall into enemy hands, from May 24th to 27th, 1975, our army, with the main force being Battalion 410 along with local forces, launched a campaign to liberate the island. In that fierce battle, the soldiers of Uncle Ho braved the waves and winds, cleverly attacking the enemy at Bai Ngu, Bai Dong, etc. At 10:30 AM on May 27th, 1975, the last shots fell silent when the Khmer Rouge surrendered, and our army completely occupied and controlled the archipelago, marking the rebirth of Tho Chau. This victory not only liberated a land but also affirmed Vietnam's inviolable sovereignty over this historical sea region.
After liberation, Tho Chau was almost a completely uninhabited island. It wasn't until 1992 that the first waves of people voluntarily left the mainland to settle, transforming the pristine island into a new homeland in line with the Party and State's policies. On April 24, 1993, the Prime Minister issued Decree No. 19-CP establishing the new Tho Chau commune.
From the early days of hardship, surrounded by waves, lacking electricity and fresh water, with schools and clinics only temporary thatched huts, the Party Committee, government, and people of Tho Chau, through various periods, have written a miracle amidst the vast ocean. Socio -economic development has gradually progressed: Fishing has been linked to the development of aquaculture and fisheries logistics services; the education system has been invested in from preschool to lower secondary school, and is now progressing towards upper secondary school.
Cultural life has gradually improved. Tho Chau Temple – a place of worship for President Ho Chi Minh, the heroic martyrs, and over 500 compatriots murdered by the Khmer Rouge – has become the "soul" of the island, a place for educating the younger generation about patriotic traditions… The development of Tho Chau is proof of the spirit of "military and people united." The image of soldiers from various armed units alongside the people clinging to the sea and the island has become the most beautiful symbol at this frontline outpost.
In 2026, amidst the new opportunities to build Tho Chau into a green, strong, and sustainable special maritime and island zone, with the special attention of the Politburo and the strategic guidance of General Secretary To Lam during his visit at the end of 2025, Tho Chau is undergoing a powerful transformation. The Party's vision is to build Tho Chau into a destination that every citizen nationwide wants to visit with pride and trust. Major policy decisions, planning, and investment projects have been, are being, and will be implemented, such as the construction of the 4C dual-use airport and the upgrading of the fishing port to become a maritime logistics center for the Southwest region.
Tho Chau Island rejects uncontrolled, environmentally damaging development, instead focusing on high-class tourism and sustainable ecotourism linked to the conservation of primary forests and coral reefs; and exploiting clean energy (solar, wind) to transform Tho Chau into a truly "green island". This is coupled with continued strengthening of national defense and security, turning each citizen into a "living landmark" and each tourist into an "ambassador" affirming Vietnam's sovereignty in the East Sea…
The 51st anniversary of liberation also coincides with the successful implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party, the Resolution of the 1st Congress of the Provincial Party Committee and the Resolution of the Special Zone Party Committee for the 2025-2030 term. These achievements today are the most beautiful flowers offered to the Party, the beloved President Ho Chi Minh, and the sacrifices of generations who built and protected Tho Chau, the southwestern frontier of the Fatherland.
Fifty-one years have passed, but the history of liberation and the journey of Tho Chau Island's rise will forever be etched in the hearts of every islander and visitor. Tho Chau is not only a "frontier" but also a shining gem, a source of pride for Vietnam's maritime sovereignty. Come to Tho Chau to feel the breath of the Fatherland in this border region, to see that amidst the storms of the ocean, the will of the Vietnamese people remains steadfast, vibrant, and full of aspirations for progress. Tho Chau will shine brighter, grow stronger, and rise with the nation in the new era!
GIANG TRAN
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tho-chau-51-nam-tu-chien-dia-den-dao-xanh-a486370.html
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