On 29/4, the leader of Market Management Team No. 2 (Thanh Hoa Market Management Department) announced administrative penalties against Nguyen Tuan Truong, 27, residing in Dung Lien ward, Sam Son, for illegally collecting vehicle parking fees. Authorities also mandated Truong refund customers the excess amounts collected beyond the regulated maximum.
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Market management and police issue a penalty record to the violator. Photo: Lam Son
The penalty stems from an incident five days earlier, during the opening of the Sam Son Tourism Festival 2026. A tourist parked a vehicle at Truong's lot near the FLC Sam Son gate roundabout in Sam Son ward and was charged 200,000 VND. Perceiving the fee as excessive, the tourist posted about the experience on social media, expressing frustration over the price gouging. This prompted Market Management Team No. 2, in coordination with Sam Son Ward Police, to identify Truong as the perpetrator.
According to regulations from the Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee, parking fees for 4-9 seat vehicles at state-funded tourist sites are 20,000 VND per daytime slot and 30,000 VND per nighttime slot. For private parking lots, the maximum charges are 25,000 VND per daytime slot and 40,000 VND per nighttime slot. Truong's charge of 200,000 VND significantly exceeded these limits.
In response to such incidents, market management forces stated they would continue to increase inspections and strictly penalize acts of exploiting the peak tourist season to illegally raise prices, which negatively impacts the local tourism image. Sam Son Ward Police have also launched a public hotline to quickly address tourist feedback regarding security, service prices, and suspected price gouging, working to foster a civilized, safe, and friendly tourism environment.
Authorities advise tourists visiting Sam Son to choose service providers with clearly listed prices. If illegal pricing is encountered, visitors should immediately report it to the police or local government for timely assistance and resolution.
Le Hoang
