Ho Chi Minh City cracks down on public disorder

Incidents involving hooligan-like behavior that are recorded and spread on social media often prompt swift verification and action from police officers.

After Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper published a report on March 9 about a ride-hailing driver smashing a woman’s luggage outside Terminal 3 of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, many readers commented online expressing support for the authorities’ strict handling of the case.

Several readers described the driver’s actions as coercive and uncivilized behavior that forced others to take risks for personal gain, and called for tougher punishment against those who cause disorder in public places.

Public disorder persists despite strict enforcement

According to Ho Chi Minh City police, 12 cases of intentional assault and five cases of public disorder were recorded across the city during the recent nine-day Lunar New Year holiday from February 14 to February 22.

Most of the incidents stemmed from everyday conflicts, including disputes in daily life, arguments related to traffic situations, or altercations arising from parties and drinking gatherings.

Police said all cases were solved, with 32 suspects arrested, including 12 individuals accused of disturbing public order.

The figures highlight that although Ho Chi Minh City police have repeatedly warned that any acts disrupting public order, damaging property or threatening the safety of others will be strictly handled under the law, similar incidents still occasionally recur.

In the most recent case, the city’s police investigation agency issued an emergency detention order for Bui Quang Hieu, 35, a resident of Bay Hien Ward, on charges of causing public disorder.

Hieu was identified as the ride-hailing motorbike driver who shouted at and smashed the luggage of D.T.T., 39, in the middle of the street.

The incident was recorded by bystanders and later circulated on social media.

Preliminary findings showed that after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City from Hanoi, the woman went to Gate 2 of Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat Airport to look for transportation home.

After asking about the fare, she decided not to hire Hieu after noticing signs that he had been drinking alcohol.

She then moved to a nearby area to wait for another ride, which led to the incident that later sparked public outrage.

Poor emotional control fuels public disorder incidents

In many of these cases, the material damage or physical harm caused by offenders may not be significant, said lawyer Truong Ngoc Lieu of the Hanoi Bar Association.

However, such misconduct can seriously affect public security and social order, creating anxiety among bystanders when incidents occur in crowded public places.

Vietnam’s Penal Code stipulates that all criminal acts must be detected promptly and handled quickly and fairly in accordance with the law.

Therefore, firm action by authorities against uncivilized behavior in public spaces, including criminal prosecution in cases showing signs of offenses, is both necessary and appropriate to maintain public order.

Lieu said many cases stem from individuals’ inability to control their emotions and a lack of awareness about the legal consequences of their actions.

He added that alongside strict enforcement, authorities should strengthen public education and legal awareness campaigns to help citizens better understand the law.

Lawyer Le Thi Thuy of the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association shared a similar view, noting that many people only realize their actions violate the law when they face law enforcement authorities.

By that time, she said, the price to pay may include not only fines but also damage to one’s reputation, career and future, as well as that of their family.

A lack of legal knowledge is not a valid excuse for avoiding responsibility, she added, stressing that raising legal awareness in the community remains an urgent priority.