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.

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: May 25, 2025 10:07 PM IST

2 min read

The throne is from the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. (Photo/X/@ngahpham)

A man was taken into custody after he broke part of an old royal throne in Vietnam, which is officially recognised as a national treasure, CNN reported on Sunday.

The throne is from the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. It was kept inside the Thái Hòa Palace in the central city of Hue the former capital of Vietnam during that period. According to CNN, the palace was where emperors once held court and carried out royal ceremonies.

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.

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