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Vietnam Tightens Security After Damage to Nguyen Dynasty Throne

A 42-year-old man broke a dragon-adorned armrest off the historic throne in Hue's UNESCO-listed Thai Hoa Palace, prompting increased artifact protection measures.

A file photo of the Nguyen Dynasty throne in Vietnam's Thái Hòa Palace.
The throne was inside Thái Hòa Palace in the Imperial City, Hue, Vietnam.
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Vietnamese police have detained a man who damaged an antique throne after breaking into an exhibit at the Imperial Palace in the city of Hue, officials said

Overview

  • The throne, a national treasure from Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), was damaged on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Hue's Thai Hoa Palace.
  • A 42-year-old man, reportedly intoxicated and showing signs of psychosis, entered a restricted area and broke the throne's left armrest featuring a dragon's head.
  • The man has been detained and sent for psychiatric evaluation to assess his mental state during the incident.
  • Authorities have announced tightened security measures across the Hue heritage site to better protect artifacts and national treasures.
  • The damaged throne will undergo repairs and conservation efforts, with Vietnam's Ministry of Culture requesting an urgent report on the incident.