After being accused of trying to sell information and interviews at a profit, a relative of the two men who had been living in the forest for years burned down the huts they had been living in.
The two “forest men” being taken cared in General Hospital of Quang Ngai Province It was discovered early this month that two men, thought to have been dead, were living and surviving in the forest around Tra Xinh Commune. The story gained immediate attention and authorities, individuals and organisations contributed VND80 million (USD3,400) to help the father Ho Van Thanh and his son Ho Van Lang reintegrate into society.
The story also caught the public imagination, seeming to be one with a happy ending. However controversy has been stirred up by one of their relatives who has been accused of charging fees to journalists for information and guided tours to the “forest men’s” previous domicile.
The nephew of the father, Ho Van Lam is said to have stated, “I only needed the media at first. Now the price for an interview is VND500,000 and only I have the right to give information about the story.”
However, Lam contests claims by several journalists that he offered to guide them to the huts for VND1.5 million. The news stirred up anger among the public.
Hoang Anh Ngoc, Chairman of Tay Tra District People’s Committee, said, “I haven’t heard about this, but if it’s true, we’ll ask Lam to stop immediately.”
Lam finally decided to burn down two of the four huts, saying, “I don’t want anything to do with these houses or news of them anymore. This whole thing has disturbed my life and I’m constantly bothered with questions and requests for information, and now this accusation! I provide water and necessities on the trip through the forest and only ask for VND500,000.” he said.
The turn in the story has many wondering if it is a good thing to keep the two men from returning to their former lives against their will. Nguyen Van Vinh, former deputy head of Institute for Socio-economic Development Studies, disagrees. “We must help them reintegrate. Letting them return to forest now would be irresponsible. At the very least we should educate them about modern life before allowing them to decide for themselves.” he said.
Thanh and Lang are being held at Quang Ngai General Hospital, the father suffering from a kidney condition and the son from bronchitis. Both have been diagnosed with clinical depression.
Đăng ký: VietNam News