Lines have formed in front of the house of the late Nguyen Ba Thanh, a key figure in Vietnam's modern development, in Danang City, who died on February 13, aged 61.
As news broke of Thanh's death, people began gathering outside his home on Cach Mang Thang Tam Road in Cam Le District in a show of respect for the former chief of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs.
Many want to send a condolesence to Thanh’s family
A neighbour, Tran Thi Ut, said, “I’m very sad even though I knew he was in critical condition."
Thanh had lapsed into coma several days ago. His family decided to take him off oxygen yesterday so he could die a peaceful death.
Public sadness
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 regular 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.
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.
People line up to pay tribute outside Thanh's house in Danang on February 14 morning
“Thanh was a widely respected leader who won the hearts of many people in Danang City," said Ngo Thi Noi, who was among the hundreds gathered to pay tribute. "He contributed a lot to the socio-economic development of the city. He was really a talented and decisive leader.”
Tran Tho, secretary of the municipal Party Commitee, said Thanh’s furneral will start at 11:30am today (February 14) at his family house. His family will greet those who have come to pay tribute to him in the afternoon. A memorial service has been scheduled for 9:30am on February 18. He will be buried at his hometown’s cetemory in Hoa Tien Commune of Hoa Vang District.
Funeral preparations underway
On the afternoon of February 13, leaders from the municipal Party Commitee and government together with ministries and branches arrived at Thanh’s house to prepare for his funeral.
Crowds gather
Danang municipal government has cancelled fireworks displays and floral shows meant to usher in the Lunar New Year.
“Most people in Danang City are extremely saddened by Thanh's passing and feel holiday celebrations would be inappropriate," a city government official said.
