Drunk man breaks Vietnam’s national treasure — a historic royal throne

The damage happened just after midday on Saturday, when the man, who was reportedly showing “signs of severe intoxication,” crossed into a restricted area and climbed onto the throne, CNN said, quoting Vietnam News, a state-run news outlet. While shouting, he broke the left armrest of the chair.

Photos published by Nhân Dân, the official newspaper of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party, show parts of the throne lying on the floor. One of the broken pieces appears to be a dragon’s head, which had been attached to the armrest.

According to CNN, the man was sent for a psychiatric evaluation due to what local officials described as an “unstable mental state” and “delusional” behaviour.

Vietnam News also said that authorities are increasing security at the heritage site, especially to protect national treasures and artefacts from similar incidents.