On 20/8, the People's Procuracy of Region 11 in Dak Lak province announced that the court had sentenced Cuong to 6 months in prison for disturbing public order.

In court, Cuong acknowledged his wrongdoing and apologized to those affected.

Pham Ngoc Cuong driving his pickup truck on Tuy Hoa beach on 31/5. Photo: Cao Toan

According to the indictment, on the afternoon of 31/5, Cuong drove his pickup truck with his son from An Phu commune to Tuy Hoa ward for a beach outing. Near the Sala resort, the truck became stuck in the water and had to be towed ashore. Cuong had driven approximately 13 km along the beach from An Phu commune to the Sala resort.

The court noted that the incident occurred during the Doan Ngo festival, a time when the beach is crowded with swimmers and vacationers. After the truck was towed, Cuong continued driving along the beach back towards An Phu commune, repeatedly honking his horn. This caused panic and endangered the safety of locals, tourists, and businesses.

Bui Toan