Thời sự toàn cảnh trưa 18/10: Bão Fengshen ngày mai (19/10) vào Biển Đông thành bão số 12 | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Lừa đảo trực tuyến (Online Scams): Fraudulent schemes conducted over the internet.
• Trung tâm lừa đảo (Scam Centers): Facilities, often in countries like Cambodia, where individuals are employed to carry out online scams.
• Kinh doanh gian dối (Fraudulent Business): Engaging in dishonest practices, such as selling counterfeit goods.
• Hàng giả (Counterfeit Goods): Products that are imitations of genuine goods, often of lower quality.
• Đầu tư công (Public Investment): Government spending on infrastructure and public projects.
• Giải ngân đầu tư công (Disbursement of Public Investment): The process of spending allocated funds for public investment projects.
• Xây dựng pháp luật (Lawmaking/Legislation): The process of creating and enacting laws.
• Động vật nguy cấp quý hiếm (Endangered and Rare Animals): Species facing a high risk of extinction.
• Chuyển đổi số (Digital Transformation): The adoption of digital technology to transform business processes and services.
• Cổng dịch vụ công quốc gia (National Public Service Portal): An online platform for citizens to access government services.
• Ứng dụng VNAID (VNAID Application): A mobile application for digital identity and public services.
• Thuế khoán (Lump-sum Tax): A fixed tax amount determined for businesses, often based on estimated revenue.
• Hóa đơn điện tử (Electronic Invoice): An invoice issued, sent, and received in a digital format.
• Vàng giả (Fake Gold): Imitation gold products.
• Trí tuệ nhân tạo (Artificial Intelligence - AI): Technology that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
• Biến đổi khí hậu (Climate Change): Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
• Công ước Hà Nội (Hanoi Convention): A legal instrument aimed at combating transnational cybercrime.

Summary

This broadcast covers a range of critical issues, from international crime and economic development to legal reforms and public safety.

International Crime and Fraudulent Operations

1. Scam Centers in Cambodia and the Nuance of Victimhood: The segment begins by addressing the disturbing reality of scam centers in Cambodia, often employing individuals to perpetrate online fraud. A representative from the Korean community in Cambodia shared a harrowing perspective, stating that not everyone working in these centers is a victim. While some young individuals are lured by the promise of quick money, often driven by familial obligations, a significant portion are willing participants who choose to remain despite opportunities for repatriation. These individuals may even take on managerial roles within the scam operations. The cost of repatriating these individuals is substantial, including visa, passport, accommodation, and flight expenses, often exceeding 1 million per person. Despite efforts to bring them home, some return to Cambodia, even bringing friends or selling them into these operations. South Korea has dispatched a delegation to Cambodia to address this issue, with 64 Koreans repatriated. Upon return, they face investigations to determine if their involvement was voluntary or coerced. The scale of these operations is immense, with an estimated 200,000 employees in Cambodian scam centers, including 1,000 Koreans. The operations are highly adaptable, with organizers relocating or shifting bases to other countries when faced with law enforcement pressure.

2. Fraudulent Business and Counterfeit Goods: The broadcast highlights the pervasive issue of fraudulent business practices, particularly the production and sale of counterfeit goods.

• Fake Gold Scams: A case in Ninh Binh province involved the seizure of 65 taels of fake gold, valued at nearly 9 billion VND. The perpetrators used a sophisticated method of attaching real gold clasps to hollowed-out silver chains plated with a thin layer of gold, making them appear authentic to the untrained eye. These scams targeted unsuspecting gold shops, with the criminals first building trust by purchasing genuine gold before selling fake items. A workshop in Dong Nai was discovered where fake gold was manufactured. The group had successfully executed 30 such scams and were preparing for 22 more. They had a protocol to disband if a member went incommunicado for 24 hours, to evade authorities.
• Counterfeit Food Products: The segment features a report on Võ Thị Ngọc Ngân, also known as Ngân 98, who was prosecuted for producing and selling counterfeit food products. Her company's popular weight-loss products were found to be substandard, with some samples suspected of containing banned substances like sibutramine and phenolphalin. Despite public admiration for her lavish lifestyle, the report emphasizes the severe health risks associated with these banned substances.
  • Sibutramine: Causes rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and constricted blood vessels. It can lead to arrhythmias, cardiovascular diseases, and even sudden death, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
  • Phenolphalin: Can cause digestive disorders, gene mutations leading to cancer, and puts a strain on the liver and kidneys. The report highlights the significant profits derived from these dangerous products, with victims often resorting to expensive treatments after failing to achieve desired weight loss through other means. A case study details a young woman who fell into a coma, suffered kidney failure requiring dialysis, and near blindness after consuming a weight-loss product containing sibutramine. Another 26-year-old woman experienced fatigue, back pain, and sudden vision loss after using a similar online-purchased product. The sellers often deny the presence of banned substances and block communication when confronted.
• Counterfeit Meat Products: A segment from a VTV24 report, which garnered over 4 million views, exposed the transformation of Indian buffalo meat into what is presented as imported beef. The process involves injecting the meat with a milky white mixture containing starches to tenderize it and create artificial marbling. This treated buffalo meat, imported at 120,000 VND per kilogram, is then sold as premium beef for 500,000 to 800,000 VND per kilogram, yielding a profit of up to seven times the initial cost. The treated meat can be preserved for up to a year, despite being processed long after the initial slaughter.

3. Online Investment Scams: The broadcast touches upon the devastating impact of online investment scams, exemplified by the case of Chenji, a businessman in Cambodia. He is accused of operating a transnational criminal organization specializing in cryptocurrency investment fraud, allegedly amassing billions of US dollars. A civil forfeiture lawsuit resulted in the seizure of over 127,000 Bitcoins, valued at approximately 15 billion US dollars, believed to be proceeds from criminal activities. Cambodia has requested evidence from the US and UK regarding these charges. The report underscores the immense wealth generated from these scams, built on the financial ruin of countless victims.

Domestic Affairs and Policy

1. National Defense and Intelligence: The broadcast reports on the 80th anniversary of the National Defense Intelligence's tradition. General Secretary Tô Lâm attended the ceremony, emphasizing the intelligence force's unwavering loyalty and strategic importance. He called for organizational streamlining and the development of skilled intelligence officers. The General Department II of the Ministry of National Defense was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Order.

2. Public Investment and Economic Development: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chaired a national conference on promoting public investment. As of October 16th, 455 trillion VND had been disbursed, representing 50.7% of the plan, an increase of over 14.5 trillion VND compared to the end of September. The Prime Minister commended nine ministries and 17 localities for their performance while criticizing 29 ministries and 18 localities for low disbursement rates, demanding accountability. The directive emphasizes that those who err or are slow must be replaced, with a goal of 100% disbursement by year-end. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of addressing difficulties, ensuring material supply, and prioritizing national key projects.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính issued a directive on maintaining discipline and improving the quality of lawmaking. Ministers are responsible for the quality and progress of draft legal documents, adhering to the "six reinforcements, six clarifications, and six musts" principles outlined in Government Resolution No. 278. The focus is on enhancing the quality of documentation from policy formulation to drafting, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. Agencies are required to clearly assess whether draft projects are ready for submission. Ministers responsible for six draft laws and resolutions that have not yet been reviewed by the Government are urged to expedite their completion for submission to the National Assembly.

4. Judicial Decisions: In a case involving the illegal possession of endangered animals, the Hung Yen Provincial People's Court overturned a lower court's decision. A 45-year-old man, previously sentenced to six years for violating regulations on the protection of endangered and rare animals, was acquitted and released. The appellate court found that the white pheasant, the animal in question, had been reclassified from a strictly prohibited category to one with restricted exploitation, rendering the defendant's actions no longer socially dangerous. The supplementary fine of 30 million VND was also waived.

5. Public Safety and Traffic Violations: A woman in Hanoi was fined 5 million VND and had six points deducted from her driver's license for allowing her child to sit on the roof of a moving car. The incident occurred on Hoang Minh Thao street. The driver, who is the child's mother, admitted to accidentally leaving the sunroof open, leading to the child climbing onto the roof. Authorities warn of the extreme danger and potential risks associated with such actions.

6. Healthcare and Misinformation: Ba Ria General Hospital has refuted claims circulating on social media alleging delayed emergency care leading to a patient's death. The hospital stated that the information is inaccurate and is cooperating with authorities to investigate the source of the misinformation. The hospital provided a timeline of events, indicating that a male patient was admitted on October 12th in an agitated and unconscious state. He received timely medical attention and was transferred to the intensive care unit. The patient was pronounced dead on October 13th. A medical council is being convened to determine the cause of death and review the hospital's procedures.

7. Education Reform: A unified set of textbooks will be implemented nationwide starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. The Minister of Education and Training announced this at a conference reviewing the implementation of the 2020-2025 general education curriculum. The process of compiling, appraising, and issuing these unified textbooks will be rigorous and scientific, building on past achievements while addressing existing shortcomings.

8. Digital Transformation and Public Services: The "digital literacy" movement is being actively promoted in various localities, particularly in mountainous areas with ethnic minority populations. The goal is to enable citizens to understand and perform simple procedures on the National Public Service Portal and use the VNAID application. Community digital transformation teams are playing a crucial role in this effort. In Lang Son province, an initiative in Dong Dang commune saw elderly residents, like Mr. Trai, learning to use the VNAID app for residency confirmation with the assistance of local youth fluent in Nung. The program targets the elderly and those less familiar with technology, with 36 community digital transformation teams established in Dong Dang. These teams, comprising local police and authorities, provide training on using the public service portal and VNAID. The initiative has shown positive results, with elderly individuals becoming proficient in handling various procedures. Furthermore, these teams utilize a legal propaganda database from the provincial police to educate citizens about laws and warn them about online fraud schemes.

9. Tax Reform: Starting in 2026, the lump-sum tax system for household businesses will be abolished. Businesses will be required to self-declare and pay taxes according to new regulations. The Ministry of Finance has approved a plan to modernize tax collection and management. Household businesses will be categorized into three groups based on annual revenue:

• Group 1 (Revenue < 200 million VND/year): Exempt from VAT and personal income tax. They will not need complex accounting but must declare income periodically.
• Group 2 (Revenue 200 million - < 3 billion VND/year): Will continue to pay tax directly on revenue with varying rates based on industry (1% for distribution/sales, 5% for construction services without materials, 3% for production/transport/services with materials, 2% for other businesses). They will declare quarterly and can use simple accounting forms. Businesses with revenue over 1 billion VND in retail and services may be required to use electronic invoices connected to the tax authority.
• Group 3 (Revenue > 3 billion VND/year): Must switch to the VAT deduction method and pay personal income tax at 17% of profit. Those with revenue over 50 billion VND will declare monthly, while those below will declare quarterly. These businesses are required to have separate bank accounts and use electronic invoices. Currently, Vietnam has approximately 3.6 million household and individual businesses under tax management.

Weather and Natural Disasters

1. Cold Front and Weather Forecast: A cold front is moving south from the north, expected to affect the Northeast region of Northern Vietnam by early morning. From October 20th to 22nd, the cold front will strengthen, impacting other parts of Northern Vietnam and North Central Vietnam. This will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to the Northeast. From the night of October 20th, Northern Vietnam will experience cold nights and mornings, with mountainous areas becoming chilly. Nighttime and early morning temperatures in the Northern plains will range from 19-21°C, 17-19°C in the midlands and mountains, and below 16°C in high mountainous areas. The northern East Sea will experience strong northeasterly winds, reaching level 6 with gusts of level 7-8, causing rough seas. The Gulf of Tonkin will also see increasing northeasterly winds from the evening of October 19th, with waves reaching 1.5 to 3 meters.

2. Typhoon Fen: Typhoon Fen is forecast to enter the East Sea around the afternoon of October 19th, becoming the 12th typhoon of the year. It will initially move west-northwest at 15-25 km/h. From the morning of October 21st, it will shift to a southwest direction, reaching its strongest intensity in the northern East Sea with winds of level 11-12, possibly up to level 13. The typhoon's intensity is expected to decrease due to the influence of the cold front, but there is a possibility of it affecting the central mainland of Vietnam. Continuous monitoring of weather updates is advised.

3. Building Explosion in Romania: A major explosion destroyed two floors of an apartment building in Bucharest, Romania, resulting in at least three deaths and 20 injuries. The victims sustained burns and multiple traumas. The explosion caused significant structural damage, blowing out the facade and windows of the building and debris covered the street. Over 170 nearby houses were affected, and residents, including 700 students and 40 teachers from a nearby school, were evacuated. The cause is under investigation, with gas leaks suspected.

International Relations and Defense

1. Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks: Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia in any format, including bilateral talks or with third-party involvement. He expressed agreement with President Trump's call for a ceasefire to pave the way for peace, emphasizing that the first step is to sit at the negotiating table, followed by a ceasefire and stabilization of the front lines to begin substantive discussions, including territorial issues. Russia has also reiterated its readiness for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

2. Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025: The ADEX 2025 exhibition officially launched at the Seoul Air Base in South Korea. The South Korean Air Force performed an aerial display with its main fighter jets to mark the event. ADEX is South Korea's largest biennial aerospace and defense trade show, aimed at promoting domestic defense exports and technological exchange. This year's exhibition is expected to feature 600 companies from 35 countries showcasing advanced weaponry, equipment, and military technology.

3. Indonesia's Talent Development Program: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has launched an ambitious program to train 2,000 young professionals in strategic fields such as technology, energy, agriculture, food, and digital finance. These individuals are expected to fill key leadership positions in both public and private sectors, contributing to Indonesia's goal of becoming a leading regional economy in the next decade. This initiative is part of the government's strategy to build a national talent ecosystem.

Technology and Society

1. Meta's AI Parental Controls: Meta announced new parental controls for AI tools to address concerns about AI's negative impact on children. Starting in early 2026, parents will be able to view an overview of their children's conversations with AI chatbots and opt to disable private conversations. However, parents will not be able to completely disable AI assistants. This move comes amid ongoing criticism of social media's impact and concerns about AI's influence on adolescent mental health. A recent survey indicated that over 70% of teenagers consider AI a companion.

2. Climate Change and Poverty: The United Nations warns that nearly 80% of the world's poorest people, approximately 900 million individuals, are directly exposed to climate-related hazards due to global warming. They also suffer from the compounding effects of deep inequality. Climate change impacts, such as droughts, floods, heatwaves, and air pollution, are becoming more frequent and intense. The poorest populations are disproportionately affected due to their reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and informal labor. Specifically, over 600 million poor people have experienced extreme heat, nearly 600 million are affected by pollution, nearly 500 million by floods, and over 200 million by droughts.

International Cooperation

1. Hanoi Convention on Cybercrime: The upcoming signing of the Hanoi Convention on October 25th and 26th is highlighted as a significant event for both Vietnam and the global community. This convention is the first UN-frameworked legal instrument on transnational crime in 20 years, aiming to foster international cooperation in combating cybercrime. It establishes a global legal framework for cyberspace, emphasizing the need for all nations to participate in the fight against cybercrime.