A man was apprehended over the weekend after vandalising a historic Vietnamese throne, recognised as a “national treasure”. Vietnamese state media reported that the throne, which dates back to the Nguyen Dynasty – Vietnam’s last royal dynasty from 1802 to 1945 – was located in the Thái Hòa Palace in Hue. This city served as Vietnam’s capital during the Nguyen era and is home to several monuments that have earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The incident occurred around midday when the intoxicated individual entered a restricted area of the palace, climbed onto the throne, and broke off its left armrest, which featured a dragon’s head. Eyewitness accounts described the man as shouting incoherently during the act. Photographic evidence published by Nhân Dân, the official newspaper of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party, showed the broken armrest pieces on the floor.
Following the incident, the man was reported to be experiencing an “unstable mental state,” displaying symptoms of delusion and incoherent speech. He has since been sent for a psychiatric evaluation. In response to this act of vandalism, authorities are intensifying security measures across the heritage site to better protect its valuable artifacts and treasures. The royal palace, where emperors once convened for court and rituals, is considered the most significant structure in the city.