In mid-March 2024, during a private conversation, the author's sixty-seven-year-old uncle, a longstanding member of the CPV who fought for the North during the Vietnam War, predicted that the then State President Vo Van Thuong would be dismissed. When asked for the reason behind his prediction, he ascribed it to the sudden cancellation of the visit by the King of the Netherlands. The author's uncle further explained that State President Thuong had extended the invitation to King Willem-Alexander to visit Vietnam, and as the head of state, the responsibility to receive the Dutch monarch would naturally fall to Mr Thuong. However, the visit was quietly cancelled at the last minute, causing great confusion. This can only mean that Mr Thuong's status as head of state is somewhat compromised, and he may no longer be able to fulfil his duties. The reason, according to the author's uncle, was President Thuong's involvement with Phuc Son group, a construction entity under investigation for corruption and fraud.

Reports regarding the official visit of the King of the Netherlands were initially covered by the state-controlled media; however, it appears that most of these reports have since been removed. The abrupt cancellation of the visit, which occurred at the eleventh hour, received minimal coverage from domestic media outlets. Nonetheless, foreign media extensively reported on the cancellation. BBC highlighted that the stated reason for the cancellation was “internal affairs” and suggested the possibility of Mr Thuong's involvement in a corruption scandal. The rumour that Mr Thuong allegedly received 60 billion VND from the Phuc Son group, purportedly to construct a worship house for his clan, was also reported by VOA. This information, as my uncle explained, was discussed within his circle of acquaintances, some of whom are retired military personnel and police officers, who frequently engage in discussions about Vietnamese politics.

People are clearly aware of the corruption taking place around them but usually take it for granted. The compulsory military service system in Vietnam is another example. Male citizens between the ages of eighteen and twenty-seven are required to serve two years of compulsory military service. Since serving for two years may cost a conscript his career and there is a risk of hazing, many people actively avoid it.