Vandalism of Nguyen Dynasty throne raises alarms over heritage protection in Vietnam

Following the incident, authorities in Hue issued directives to review and reinforce the protection of heritage assets managed by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center.

However, the throne--a national treasure and the public’s trust in heritage preservation has already been damaged.

The damage of the throne—a symbol of supreme authority during the Nguyen Dynasty’s 143-year rule and recognized as a national treasure in 2015—has shocked the public.

On Saturday afternoon, the irreplaceable throne was damaged when a visitor to Thai Hoa Palace climbed over a barrier, sat on the throne, and broke off its armrest in front of many other guests, including foreign tourists.

According to a report by the Hue City People’s Committee, the person responsible was Ho Van Phuong Tam, a Hue resident.

After purchasing a ticket to visit the Hue Imperial Citadel and entering Thai Hoa Palace, Tam began shouting and verbally abusing others, prompting security to escort him out.

However, he returned, climbed over a one-meter-high barrier, sat on the throne, shouted loudly, and used his hands to break the throne's left armrest.

Security personnel attempted to lure Tam away from the throne to the palace courtyard, where he was subdued and detained.

At the police station, he continued shouting incoherently and refused to answer investigators’ questions.

Nguyen Thanh Binh, vice-chairman of the Hue government, said police have been asked to investigate Tam's motives and whether the act of vandalizing the throne was intentional, accidental, or incited by others. It remains unclear whether Tam has a mental disorder.

Police in Hue City have requested a psychiatric evaluation and are working with the Phu Xuan District People’s Procuracy to gather evidence and determine the responsibilities of all parties involved, in accordance with the law.

“This is a deeply regrettable incident,” Binh said. “We have instructed the Hue Monuments Conservation Center to thoroughly review security measures at all heritage sites, as any situation may arise.” 

Where was the security team?

Le Cong Son, deputy director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, stated that the security personnel’s response was appropriate.

According to Son, the security team covering the area from Thai Hoa Palace to Kien Trung Palace consists of 11 guards working in shifts. Thai Hoa Palace specifically had two guards rotating to supervise and assist visitors.

At the moment Tam climbed the barrier, the two guards on duty immediately followed him, alerted nearby security personnel, and contacted police.

Police advised caution in case Tam was armed and could cause injury or worse.

Son explained that the guards did not immediately restrain Tam to avoid further damaging the throne or surrounding artifacts. The throne is surrounded by valuable porcelain items from the Nguyen Dynasty, and any physical confrontation risked severe damage.

“Tam broke off the throne's armrest and used it to threaten the guards,” Son added.

He said this rare incident offers many lessons for improving heritage protection.

“We’ve directed our security team to implement contingency plans and monitor unusual visitor behavior from the ticket gate onward.”

He noted that after receiving the police’s final report, the center will convene to discuss solutions for safeguarding and displaying relics in Hue to prevent future incidents. Restoration of the broken throne will involve consultations with experts and artisans.

Previously, heritage security teams were equipped with support tools such as electric batons, rubber batons, and rubber bullet guns. However, these tools were recently recalled due to new regulations, Son informed.

“We will soon propose that security personnel be re-equipped with these support tools. Our team is small, and the area we cover is large. Without such tools, it’s difficult for unarmed staff to respond effectively to incidents like this,” Son said.

Clarifying responsibilities of heritage management authorities

Lawyer Vo Cang Hanh, a member of the Hue Bar Association, stated that the management authority responsible for the site must be held accountable under the 2024 Law on Cultural Heritage.

Although the Hue Monuments Conservation Center had implemented measures such as surveillance cameras, security regulations, and on-site personnel, the destruction of a national treasure in a key site like the Hue Imperial Citadel indicates lapses in security and oversight.

Therefore, the responsibilities of involved individuals must be clarified, and disciplinary measures for them must be taken according to the law.

Limited budget for preserving national treasures

The Department of Cultural Heritage immediately issued a directive on Saturday requiring the Hue Monuments Conservation Center to assess the throne’s condition, ensure security and protection, and report the results to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism by Monday.

The department called for a technical evaluation of the throne, proposals for restoration and preservation, and strengthened efforts to safeguard national treasures.

The department noted that the budget for preserving national treasures was limited, including the absence of theft-prevention and risk-alert systems.

Fortunately, the throne has detailed archival images and a replica exists, which will guide the restoration process, according to the Department of Cultural Heritage.

The department asked the Hue Monuments Conservation Center to propose a detailed restoration plan, including technical methods, to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has ordered the Hue City People’s Committee to urgently assess the throne’s condition, propose a restoration plan, and submit a report to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism before June 1, 2025.

Authorities must also conduct a comprehensive review of the management and security of the Hue Imperial City and its associated relics and treasures. Prevention measures should be developed, including early detection and intervention strategies, along with public education campaigns to raise awareness about cultural heritage protection.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will conduct a nationwide review of the display, preservation, and protection of all recognized national treasures.

A report of the results should be submitted to the Prime Minister by June 15, 2025.