Sensation in Hue: Throne of the Nguyen Dynasty damaged – police arrested!

Sensation in Hue: Throne of the Nguyen Dynasty damaged – police arrested!

On May 24, 2025, the Nguyen Dynasty historical site in Hue was shaken when an incident of throne desecration at the Thai Hoa Palace was reported. According to reports, a man, Ho Van Phuong Tam, purchased a ticket to the imperial city of Hue at 11:55 a.m. and exhibited unusual behavior upon entering the palace, resulting in damage to an armrest of the throne. Security guards responded immediately and asked Tam to leave the area while police were informed of the situation. At 12:10 p.m., Dong Ba District police were able to control and arrest the suspect. When arrested, Tam showed signs of mental disturbance and was unable to give a statement.

The Ministry of Cultural Heritage then issued instructions to conduct an inspection and assessment of the current condition of monuments in Hue. A report on the incident was due to be submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism by May 26. In response to the incident, the damaged throne was transported to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. A restoration of the throne in the Thai Hoa Palace is planned for future presentation. The Hue Monuments Conservation Center will also increase security measures at the heritage site, including installing surveillance cameras and training security personnel to prevent such incidents.

Affected Nguyen Dynasty artifacts

Attention to the region's cultural assets is particularly important because the Nguyen Dynasty represents a significant link to Vietnamese history. On December 31, 2024, 33 artifacts, including four from Hue, were officially recognized as national treasures by Vice Prime Minister Le Thanh Long. These artifacts are not ordinary finds; they are original and unique objects of exceptional historical and cultural value.

The newly recognized artifacts from Hue are:

• Die Ngo Mon (Meridian Gate) Glocke aus der Minh Mang-Ära, die im Ngu Phung (Five-Phoenix) Pavillon zu finden ist.
• Ein Paar Drachenstatuen aus der Thieu Tri-Ära, die im Thai Hoa Palast aufgestellt sind.
• Ein Steinrelief aus der Minh Mang-Ära, das im Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities ausgestellt ist.
• Der Thron von Kaiser Duy Tan, ebenfalls im Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, der bald der Öffentlichkeit präsentiert werden soll.

With the added treasures, the total number of national treasures in Hue increases to 39. This highlights the cultural relevance of Hue and the outstanding importance of these artifacts, which not only reflect the history of the Nguyen Dynasty but also preserve Vietnam's cultural heritage. The duty of relevant authorities to comply with cultural heritage regulations is also emphasized in order to protect such valuable cultural assets.

Experts and artisans are invited to develop a restoration plan for the throne to ensure adequate restoration and presentation. The incidents and their aftermath shed light on the need for improved protection and increased education about the value of national treasures in Vietnam.