Nha Trang cyclo driver faces expulsion after seizing money from tourist amid fare dispute

On Sunday morning, Ngo Anh Duyet, chairman of the Nha Trang City Labor Confederation, which manages the union, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the driver involved in the incident has been identified and has admitted to his actions.

According to Duyet, the driver explained that a language barrier led to his actions.

"We will decisively expel this individual from the Nha Trang Tourist Cyclo Union. Relevant functional units will continue to handle the matter accordingly," Duyet emphasized.

The driver's identification followed an urgent verification process by relevant agencies after a social media post highlighted the cyclo driver's inappropriate behavior toward an international visitor, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said.

The incident gained widespread attention after a 15-second clip was shared on Facebook on Saturday evening, captioned: "Uncivil behavior of a cyclo driver tarnishes Nha Trang's tourism image."

In the video, a foreign woman is seen handing money to the cyclo driver for a ride she took with a child.

The driver gestures with five fingers, seemingly indicating a fare amount after the woman held out some banknotes toward him.

A disagreement over the fare ensues, during which the driver appears agitated and snatches the money from the woman's hand.

According to the news site Dan Tri, the woman was holding two banknotes when the driver grabbed them. 

She promptly left the scene with the child, appearing upset by the driver's aggressive behavior.

The clip has sparked public outrage, with many condemning the driver's actions as improper and damaging to Nha Trang's reputation as a friendly tourist destination.

Some have urged local authorities to address such misconduct strictly, warning that failure to do so could deter international visitors.

Duyet emphasized that the cyclo union has specific operational regulations, and any member violating them will face disciplinary action.

Members who commit serious misconduct will have their membership revoked and be removed from the union's roster.

In cases of severe violations, the union will recommend that competent authorities impose strict penalties in accordance with the law.

Duyet also mentioned that the city's Labor Confederation regularly organizes professional exchanges and experience-sharing sessions for the cyclo union's members.

However, he noted that most pedicab drivers have low education levels and limited awareness, which can contribute to such incidents.

Nguyen Van Minh, deputy chairman of the Nha Trang administration, stated that he has directed relevant units to promptly investigate and handle the case appropriately.