Ms. Vu Thuy Hong Ngoc and Doctor Chiem Quoc Thai Appeal

Ms. Vu Thuy Hong Ngoc appeals for further asset division, while Doctor Chiem Quoc Thai requests she be ordered to compensate 8 billion dong related to transaction prevention measures.

The People's Court Area 2 - Ho Chi Minh City has received appeals from Ms. Vu Thuy Hong Ngoc and Mr. Chiem Quoc Thai regarding the preliminary judgment in their asset dispute. Ms. Ngoc asserts the verdict lacks objectivity and accuracy, infringing upon her legal rights and interests. She requests the appellate court amend the judgment, fully accept her initial claims, and reject Mr. Thai's counterclaims.

Mr. Thai, however, appeals only a part of the judgment, requesting Ms. Ngoc compensate him 8 billion dong. This amount represents damages incurred because Ms. Ngoc requested the court implement urgent interim measures, blocking transactions on real estate unrelated to her. This action prevented a transfer contract from being executed, necessitating compensation for the deposit holder. Mr. Thai argues the preliminary court did not fully assess relevant documents, evidence, and legal provisions. He requests the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court amend the judgment to accept this counterclaim.

Mr. Chiem Quoc Thai at court on 29/9. Photo: Hai Duyen

Mr. Chiem Quoc Thai at court on 29/9. Photo: Hai Duyen

Previously, on 29/9, People's Court Area 2 determined there was no basis for Ms. Hong Ngoc contributing to the creation of the disputed real estate assets, valued over 1,000 billion dong. The court rejected most of her initial claims, accepting only a portion, and ordered Mr. Thai to pay her over 730 million dong out of the 454 billion dong she requested. The court also partially accepted Mr. Thai's counterclaim, ordering Ms. Ngoc to return over 301,900 USD. Ms. Ngoc claimed this money was authorized by Mr. Thai for her to withdraw and purchase a house for his sister in the US. However, the trial panel found she provided no evidence to support this. Regarding the 8 billion dong Mr. Thai previously authorized Ms. Ngoc to withdraw and use at her discretion, the court rejected his request for its return.

Dispute from an "invalid" marriage

According to court records, Ms. Ngoc and Mr. Thai registered their marriage in the US in 2011. In 2015, they completed marriage registration procedures at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice. Late in 2015, Ms. Ngoc filed for divorce and asset division. Mr. Thai subsequently filed a lawsuit in the US, seeking to declare the marriage invalid. In 2022, the Ho Chi Minh City High People's Court did not recognize the marital relationship between them, nor did it recognize the asset division outlined in the US court's judgment.

Believing their relationship ended but assets acquired during their cohabitation remained unresolved, Ms. Ngoc initiated a lawsuit requesting asset division. At the trial, Ms. Ngoc's side demanded a share of over 454 billion dong from various real estate properties and bank accounts. The plaintiff claimed they conducted business together from 2007, then lived as husband and wife, jointly accumulating assets. Mr. Thai disagreed, asserting Ms. Ngoc was merely an employee who had been authorized by him to conduct certain transactions. He stated she could not prove her financial or labor contributions to the disputed assets.