3-on-1 assault on foreigner in Ho Chi Minh City draws mixed reactions

Video footage of the incident, widely shared on social media, showed a confrontation between a shirtless foreign man and a group of locals.

While the clip drew condemnation for the apparent gang violence, several foreigners familiar with Vietnam offered a more nuanced view.

“If you are shirtless on Bui Vien, defending yourself from three locals, I’m going to confidently assume you deserved it in some way. This doesn’t happen to respectful foreigners,” Matt Crompton commented, receiving support from others who echoed the sentiment that behavior may have played a role.

“I’ve got no doubt the foreigner instigated it,” another commenter, Pablito Viaja, wrote. “The locals would not just attack for nothing.”

Wei An, identifying as Vietnamese, also weighed in, saying, “Vietnamese people will not arbitrarily cause trouble or beat foreigners. Our people respect friends everywhere. Maybe this big friend did something.”

Other users agreed that while provocation might have occurred, the way the situation unfolded was excessive.

They widely viewed the use of force by the three Vietnamese individuals—especially involving an object—as unjustifiable.

“Three on one? Such a brave move,” a sarcastic comment read, with others criticizing the attackers for needing numbers and a beer bottle.

“Probably arrogant and drunk,” added one commenter. “Else they don’t never never mess with foreigners.”

“Can’t even fight like men... always have to be cowards in number and with weapons,” another remarked.

Several people pointed to the reputation of Bui Vien Street, a nightlife hub popular with tourists in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, as a place prone to such conflicts, but also stressed the need for fairness.

Police in Ho Chi Minh City have not released further details behind the attack after summoning the three Vietnamese assailants.

The case remains under investigation.