Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News — February 16

Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested four people for public disorder following two traffic collisions near Tan Son Nhat International Airport earlier this month. The fights, involving bus, ride-hailing, and private car drivers, caused traffic disruption and sparked public concern after videos circulated online.

-- A cold spell is expected to hit Vietnam’s northeastern mountainous areas late tonight before intensifying and spreading to most of northern Vietnam, except Lai Chau and Dien Bien Provinces, as well as parts of the north-central and central regions by early morning, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

-- A US$450-million, 300MW wind power project in Xieng Khouang Province, northern Laos, developed by Sao Mai Wind Power, has officially been launched and aims to supply stable electricity to northern Vietnam, particularly during peak dry-season demand.

-- Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested a suspect for allegedly breaking into a mobile phone shop on Le Van Tho Street in Thong Tay Hoi Ward and stealing 51 phones along with other valuables. Initial losses were estimated at over VND100 million (US$3,850), authorities said on Sunday.

Business

-- Supermarkets and malls in Ho Chi Minh City were packed with last-minute Tet shoppers on Sunday, two days ahead of the Lunar New Year, as customer numbers surged three to four times higher than usual, especially at fresh food, fruit, flower, and ready-to-eat counters.

Culture

-- The 2026 Nguyen Hue Flower Street officially opened on Sunday night in Ho Chi Minh City and is being held simultaneously at three locations for the first time: Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Binh Duong Ward, and Vung Tau Ward. The event will run through February 22.

-- During the 2026 Lunar New Year, double-decker river buses on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City will feature T’rung performances, Central Highlands gong music, and displays of traditional Hue paper flower art for residents and tourists from mid-February to March 15.

-- The 2026 Tet Book Street Festival officially opened on Le Loi Boulevard on Sunday evening, kicking off a series of cultural activities for the Lunar New Year. Running from February 15 to 22, the annual event has promoted reading culture in Ho Chi Minh City for more than a decade.

Sports

-- The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has placed Vietnam 35th out of 204 countries in its newly released national rankings, with an average Elo rating of 2,331.