Thổ Châu rises majestically in the far southwest of the country.

In the early days of spring, when the southwest sea breeze subsided after the stormy season, the CSB 8005 vessel (Command of Coast Guard Region 4) sailed through the waves, taking us to Tho Chu Island (Tho Chau Special Zone, An Giang Province), a frontier island in the far southwest of the country. Amidst the vast ocean, Tho Chu appeared with the green of its forests, the azure of its sea, and the ever-changing rhythm of life here. Spring on this remote island arrives not only with warm sunshine and gentle breezes, but also in the changes, in the new faith and hope of the soldiers and civilians at the forefront of the waves.

THO CHAU IS UNDERGOING A "NEW LOOK"

The Tho Chau Special Economic Zone comprises 8 islands, with Tho Chu Island being the largest, located more than 60 nautical miles from Phu Quoc and more than 100 nautical miles from Rach Gia.

This place has long been considered a strategic outpost protecting the southwestern sea region of our country.

The islanders mainly make their living from aquaculture and fishing.

Amidst the vast sea and sky, more than 1,900 civilians and armed forces personnel stay on the island day and night, both engaging in production and safeguarding the sacred sovereignty of their homeland's sea and islands.

But behind the beauty of the blue sea lies a long story of difficult times. Scorching sun, fierce winds, and crashing waves year-round; lack of electricity, fresh water, limited schools and clinics… these were constant challenges for every family, every officer and soldier here.

The island is remote, sparsely populated, and transportation links are still limited. The lives of the people mainly depend on fishing, aquaculture, and fisheries logistics services, so difficulties and shortages still exist.

However, it was precisely in those harsh conditions that the spirit of solidarity between the government, the armed forces, and the people became the most enduring strength.

Cargo ships arrive more regularly, roads around the island are being improved, students can get to school more easily, and trade is more vibrant than before.

Ms. Ha Thanh Huong, a long-time resident of the Tho Chau Special Zone, shared that although goods are not as abundant as on the mainland, essential necessities for daily life are readily available.

As a result, the people on the island gradually felt secure and settled down, focusing on labor and production, and becoming long-term attached to their island homeland.

Amidst this transformation, what the people of Tho Chau most long for are simple things: a hospital capable of providing timely emergency care, more spacious schools for their children, a stable electricity supply, an adequate supply of fresh water, and sustainable livelihood models so that poverty is no longer a barrier.

These expectations also represent the long-term development direction that the Central Government and An Giang province are focusing on implementing: sustainable development linked to ensuring national defense and security; placing people and their welfare at the center.

Today, Tho Chau is not only a place exposed to the elements, but also a "safe haven" for fishermen after each long sea voyage.

Ships anchored in the harbor, bustling small markets, children's voices echoing in the schoolyard… all create a new rhythm of life on this remote island.

The signs of progress are evident in every home, every street, and in the eyes of those who have chosen the islands as their homeland.

Mr. Nguyen Van Trung, a resident of the Tho Chau Special Economic Zone, shared that over the past period, the local Party committee, government, and functional forces have always shown concern and provided support to the people on the island whenever needed.

As a result, the lives of the people on the island have become increasingly stable, and they feel more secure in their long-term commitment to their homeland's sea and islands.

I personally hope that in the future, Tho Chau will continue to develop, the lives of its people will improve, and there will be better conditions in terms of healthcare, education , and infrastructure so that people can live there with peace of mind in the long term.

A stable and prosperous Thổ Châu would not only bring a better life to its people but also become a solid foundation in the nation's frontier islands.

From a once impoverished island, the Tho Chau Special Zone is gradually transforming itself, with improved infrastructure, a more stable life for its people, and strong national defense and security. This transformation is the culmination of the Party's will, the people's aspirations, and the silent dedication of those on the front lines of the Fatherland.

Comrade Lam Minh Hien, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Tho Chau Special Economic Zone, happily stated that in the first month of 2026, the locality had already recorded clear signs of improvement. Total budget revenue exceeded the target set for the entire year.

This is a positive sign indicating that economic activity in the area is gradually improving, creating more confidence for the locality to continue investing, improving infrastructure, and raising the living standards of the people.

With these initial results and clear development direction, Tho Chau believes that 2026 will be a prosperous year, joining the rest of the country in entering a new phase of stronger and more sustainable development.

SPRING ON THE FRONT ISLAND

This spring, Tho Chu Island has a different appearance. New constructions are gradually taking shape, a testament to the attention given by the Party, the State, and central ministries and agencies.

Thổ Châu also serves as a "safe haven" for fishermen from various provinces after each long fishing trip.

A massive construction site is opening up with important projects: building a dual-use airport, upgrading the port to serve fisheries logistics, expanding the transportation system, constructing a freshwater reservoir, and increasing high-speed ferry services connecting Phu Quoc with the mainland.

The towering telecommunication towers reaching high into the sea are also shortening geographical distances, bringing remote islands closer to modern life, and gradually forming a digital government, digital economy, and digital society.

General Secretary To Lam set expectations during his visit to the Tho Chau Special Economic Zone (November 2025): “We must take care of Tho Chau from the most basic and essential things: adequate healthcare, solid education, rich culture, so that every citizen, every cadre, every soldier, every child on this remote island will no longer be disadvantaged, but will fully enjoy the right to development like any other Vietnamese person on the mainland. We must have generations of people at the forefront, at the place where the Fatherland sails out to sea.”

This transformation stems not only from new projects but also from the flexible and responsible operation of the staff and Party members, despite the shortage of personnel.

The Party Committee of the Tho Chau Special Zone, with 7 branches and 120 party members, continues to uphold its leading role, working alongside the armed forces day and night to protect sovereignty and maintain security and order, so that the people can feel secure in staying on the island and at sea.

Comrade Lam Minh Hien said that, according to annual tradition, a portion of the island's residents usually return to the mainland to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year).

However, this year, a larger number of people are expected to remain on the island, as a large workforce continues to work on key projects throughout the Lunar New Year holiday to ensure the progress of the airport construction and related infrastructure.

Construction units have arranged for continuous work in three shifts, so many laborers and residents will be working while celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) on the island. In that spirit, the local authorities will organize spring festivities and Tet celebrations on a scale appropriate to the actual conditions.

Although simple, it reflects the affection and responsibility of the Party Committee and the government towards the people living on the island. Plans include a small Spring market, a Spring flower area, a playground, a New Year's Eve cultural program, and other activities to create a warm Tet atmosphere for the people.

Amidst the vast ocean, spring is arriving in the Tho Chau Special Zone with renewed vitality and hope. Today, this frontier island not only stands firm against the storms but is also rising strongly, striving to become a green, strong, and sustainable special zone – a shining example on the maritime frontier, contributing to affirming Vietnam's stature at sea.

HA NAM

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/tho-chau-vuon-minh-noi-cuc-tay-nam-to-quoc-a236758.html