The man in Binh Duong Province who found a VND100 million (USD4,700) winning ticket in a pack of instant noodles, which the company deemed invalid, agreed to accept half of the money instead filing a lawsuit.
Ta Van An (right) receives VND57 million
On August 4, representatives of Tribeco, the company that held the contest, said the local Department of Industry and Trade had held a meeting between company officials and the prize-winner. After the meeting, Tribeco agreed to pay An VND50 million and make VND7 million in compensation for travelling fees.
Tribeco's department of legal affairs department was careful to make clear that they considered the VND50 million payment as compensation and not as an acknowledgement An had won the prize.
"The case attracted a lot of attention and we wish to maintain the confidence of our customers. Even though the card was invalid, we offered An VND50 million at his request and another VND7 million for travel expenses," the representative said.
An said that the arrangement was reasonable. Before the agreement, An had plans to take the company to court and had already retained an attorney.
After the story was published and gained attention, the Ministry of Industry and Trade asked the Department of Industry and Trade in Binh Duong Province to look into the case.