At a regular press briefing held this afternoon, journalists raised questions about a dramatic escape incident at a Cambodian court.

According to Cambodian police, six inmates opened fire right after being brought to the Svay Rieng provincial court on November 18.

Among them were five Vietnamese male suspects and a woman - also Vietnamese - who allegedly provided the firearm used in the escape.

When asked for updates and information on potential consular protection measures, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that according to Vietnam’s Embassy in Cambodia, local authorities had indeed arrested six Vietnamese nationals on November 18 in Svay Rieng following their escape.

Immediately after receiving the report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia to coordinate with Cambodian authorities to verify the facts and implement necessary citizen protection measures.

During the same press conference, reporters also inquired about another incident in which a South Korean national was found dead inside a large bag in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese police have arrested two South Korean suspects for investigation.

Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded: “According to our information, Vietnamese authorities have already notified the diplomatic mission of South Korea in Vietnam. Investigations are ongoing to clarify the case.”

Addressing the deadly apartment fire in Hong Kong (China) that resulted in multiple casualties, the spokesperson extended condolences: “We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.”

Immediately after receiving information about the fire, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directed the Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong and Macau (China) to contact local authorities, check for any Vietnamese citizens affected, and remain in touch with the Vietnamese community in the area. They are also prepared to initiate consular protection if necessary.

According to the latest updates from the Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau, there have been no reports of Vietnamese citizens affected by the incident.

Tran Thuong