A key figure in Vietnam's modern development, Nguyen Ba Thanh, chief of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs and a widely respected leader, died today (February 13), aged 61, at his family home in Danang, reports said.
Nguyen Ba Thanh, head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs
It was widely reported that Thanh died after lapsing into coma several days ago. His family decided to take him off oxygen so he could die a peaceful death, the reports said.
Pham Gia Khai, deputy head of Central Commission of Health Care for Senior Officials said Thanh's health had been declining because of bone marrow disorder and he had been receiving blood transfusions to maintain his red blood cell count.
He was diagnosed in May 2014 and received medical treatment at Hanoi’s Central Military Hospital 108, received further treatment in Singapore in June, and the United States since August. He returned to Vietnam on January 9 and was admitted to Danang City General Hospital.
Hundreds of people waiting outside Nguyen Ba Thanh's house in Danang City on February 13 afternoon when he was taken home from the hospital.
Thanh was born on April 8, 1953, in Hoa Tien Commune, Danang City. He became chairman of Danang People's Committee in 1996 and took over position as the secretary of the Da Nang City Party Committee and then chairman of the city from 2003 to late 2012.
He has been hailed for his work in revitalising Danang, making it a major symbol of modern Vietnam and a travel destination for local and foreign visitors.
In 2012, he was made head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs and deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption.