Vietnamese college student admits fabricating story about bus taking him near Cambodian border

The case drew public attention after images of an urgent warning issued on Wednesday by Lilama 2 International Technology College in Dong Nai were widely shared on Facebook pages and groups.

The notice warned students about buses allegedly impersonating those operated by transport company T.T. to pick up passengers along National Highway 51 near the school and take them toward the Vietnam-Cambodia border.

The warning advised students not to board suspicious buses and to immediately contact relatives or teachers if a vehicle deviated from its stated route.

Following the spread of the information, Dong Nai police worked with college administrators and the student identified as B.T.H., 18, who had originally provided the information.

Investigators determined that the alleged kidnapping-style incident never happened.

During questioning, H. admitted he had invented the story and shared it with both his family and the school.

According to police, the student wanted to use his own motorbike to travel to school, but his family had refused.

To persuade them, he fabricated the story about being taken near the Cambodia border by a passenger bus.

After meeting with police, the student acknowledged his wrongdoing and apologized to his family and the school. He also signed a commitment not to repeat the behavior.

Earlier, the college had issued its internal warning after receiving the student's account, believing it to be true and seeking to raise awareness among staff, teachers, and students.

However, it circulated the notice in teachers' Zalo groups before coordinating with local police to verify the information.

On Thursday, Lilama 2 International Technology College issued a public apology, admitting it had acted hastily by releasing the warning without first requesting police verification.

The school apologized to parents, students, the online community, and the public for spreading inaccurate information.

School administrators described the incident as a “costly lesson” and said they would conduct an internal review to determine individual responsibilities and consider disciplinary measures.

Dong Nai police urged residents, parents, and students to verify information through official sources and competent authorities before sharing it.

Authorities also warned against speculating, fabricating stories, or spreading false information that could cause unnecessary public concern.