On 19/8, Quang Ngai Provincial Police announced that its Internal Political Security Department had issued an administrative fine of 60 million VND and suspended the organizing unit of the Miss Tourism Vietnam Identity 2026 contest from conducting beauty and model competitions for 6 months.

Authorities identified the unit as having violated regulations governing the organization of beauty and model contests, as outlined in Decree 87/2026.

The incident occurred on 21/7 during the "Island Beauty" sub-competition, held in the Ly Son special zone. A group of students in uniform were seated in the front row while contestants performed in swimsuits. Images of this circulated on social media, drawing criticism.

According to police, the event "negatively impacted the educational environment, social psychology, and the cultural and tourism image of the locality."

Following an investigation, Quang Ngai Provincial Police concluded that the organizing committee failed to ensure appropriate audience management and seating arrangements, allowing children to directly view content unsuitable for their age.

Under clause 6, Article 18 of Decree 87, organizing beauty or model contests with content prohibited by law—including content that negatively affects public ethics, health, and social psychology—is subject to a fine of 30-40 million VND. Clause 3, Article 6 specifies that the fine for organizations is double that for individuals.

Additionally, point b, clause 8, Article 18 stipulates an auxiliary penalty of suspending beauty and model contest organizing activities for 6 to 12 months.

The Miss Tourism Vietnam Identity contest was a collaboration between a Ho Chi Minh City-based company and local entities in Quang Ngai. The final round featured 31 contestants who visited tourist attractions in Quang Ngai and the Ly Son special zone, participated in charity and environmental protection activities, and competed in various sub-competitions.

Following the incident, the organizing committee issued an apology letter to the Quang Ngai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ly Son Special Zone People's Committee, schools, parents, and students, accepting full responsibility.

According to the organizing committee, 50 disadvantaged students were initially scheduled to receive gifts during an intermission, separate from the competition segments. However, due to hot weather, the coordination team brought the children into the stands earlier than planned to ensure their well-being.

The absence of a designated separate area resulted in the students sitting in the front row during the swimsuit competition. The organizing committee acknowledged shortcomings in coordination, asserting there was no intention to have students observe sensitive parts of the competition.

The unit stated it would review the responsibilities of those involved and ensure that future charity activities involving children are separated from the main stage and beauty competitions.

Pham Linh