The Central Inspection Committee announced on the afternoon of 7/7 that it disciplined two former high-ranking officials of Dong Thap province. At its 8th session, the committee issued a warning to Pham Thien Nghia, former deputy secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and former chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee for the 2021-2026 term. Nguyen Van Duong, former deputy secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and former chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee for the 2016-2021 term, received a reprimand.

The Central Inspection Committee concluded that both Duong and Nghia violated Party regulations and state laws in performing their assigned duties. Their actions also breached the rules on what Party members are prohibited from doing and their responsibility to set an example, leading to "serious consequences that necessitate disciplinary action."

Pham Thien Nghia at an event in 12/2022. *Photo: Thanh Tung*

Pham Thien Nghia's disciplinary action follows a previous reprimand from the Central Inspection Committee in late 2022. That earlier reprimand stemmed from irregularities in bidding and procurement related to pandemic prevention and control efforts. Previously, in 2/2025, while serving as chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee, Nghia requested early retirement, nearly three years ahead of schedule. The Party Central Committee Secretariat approved his request, at which time Nghia was 59 years old.

Nghia, originally from Lap Vo district (former), holds a master's degree in economics. His career includes roles as Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, Secretary of the Thap Muoi District Party Committee, and Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Internal Affairs Commission. He served as Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee before becoming provincial chairman in 12/2020.

Vu Tuan