On 9/1, Nguyen Van Tiem, Chairman of the Hoang Thanh Commune People's Committee, confirmed that authorities had completed the demolition and removal of the arm-shaped statues from the beach areas in Hoang Thanh and Hoang Tien communes.

The five arm-shaped statues on Hai Tien beach have been removed. Photo: Le Hoang

Following the removal of the main concrete arm structures, contractors proceeded to dismantle and relocate their bases and foundations, aiming to restore an open and safe environment to Hai Tien beach.

According to the Hoang Thanh Commune People's Committee, the structures were removed due to damage from Typhoon Kajiki in 8/2025, which displaced and compromised the arm statues. Subsequent high tides further dislodged their bases, exposing reinforcing iron bars in the sand. This created hazardous "crab traps" that posed a risk of injury to locals and tourists who approached them while swimming or taking photos.

One of the five arm-shaped statues in Hai Tien was tilted after Typhoon Kajiki made landfall in 8/2025. Photo: Le Hoang

The five giant arm statues were part of a coastal road renovation and beautification project for the Hai Tien tourist area, initiated by the former Hoang Hoa District People's Committee in 3/2023, with an estimated investment of 10 billion VND.

Upon completion, many locals and tourists criticized the structures as crude, arguing they marred the natural landscape and encroached upon beach space already diminished by tidal erosion. Concerns were also raised about the concrete blocks potentially endangering swimmers.

The arm statues upon completion in 2023. Photo: Le Hoang

At the time, leaders of the Hoang Hoa District People's Committee explained that the structures served as watchtowers to monitor swimmers and offer timely assistance during emergencies. They were also intended to create a unique landmark for tourists to take photos. Each statue cost 60 million VND, funded by the local budget.

Arm statues in Hai Tien damaged and displaced after Typhoon Kajiki. Video: Le Hoang

Hai Tien is located approximately 20 km from Thanh Hoa City. It is one of Thanh Hoa's picturesque beaches, alongside Sam Son and Hai Hoa, that has gained popularity among tourists in recent years. Hai Tien beach extends for about 12 km, featuring long stretches of sand and many pristine areas. The Hai Tien tourist area currently boasts nearly 100 accommodation establishments with approximately 6,500 rooms, attracting nearly 1,5 million visitors annually.

Le Hoang