Nha Trang ice cream vendor fined $129 after Thai tourist complains of alleged overpricing

Local officials said on Thursday that the vendor, identified as P.T.D., 55, from Gia Lai Province, was penalized for three administrative violations related to road traffic and price management regulations.

According to the decision, the violations included selling goods on sidewalks where street vending is prohibited, entering a restricted area at Tue Tinh Park in Nha Trang, and failing to publicly display prices for goods and services as required by law.

Authorities said they are still investigating whether the case involved deliberate overcharging.

During questioning, the vendor denied selling an ice cream for VND100,000 ($3.8) to two Thai tourists at the Nha Trang beach park.

The incident drew public attention after a Thai tourist posted on social media on May 2, claiming that a vendor in Nha Trang attempted to charge VND100,000 ($3.8) for a single ice cream.

According to the tourist, the quoted price led to an argument between the two sides, and she eventually paid VND50,000, or about $1.9, for the ice cream.

She also complained that the ice cream tasted bad and that she threw most of it away.

Following the online backlash, local authorities identified the vendor and launched an investigation into the incident.