VietNamNet Bridge - Da Nang’s Party Secretary Tran Tho has confirmed that the rumor that Mr. Nguyen Ba Thanh died in the United States was incorrect.

Mr. Thanh (second from the right) with Da Nang people.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Binh, Director of the Da Nang Condominium Management Board, the younger brother of Mr. Thanh, head of the Central Home Affairs Committee, former Party Chief of Da Nang, said: "Mr. Thanh is being treated in the US."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Lan, Vice President of the Association for Protection of Poor and Unfortunate Women and Children of Da Nang, where Mr. Thanh is the chairman, said on December 29 that two days ago she received an email from Thanh’s secretary.

"The secretary informed us that after the third treatment, due to the strong dose, Mr. Thanh is tired, but he has overcome the critical condition. There is no information when he will return to Vietnam," she said.

Lan said Mr. Thanh has been treated at a hospital in the United States since August 16. He was diagnosed with myelosuppression, significantly reduced platelets, so he needs continuous blood transfusions.

Lan has kept contact with Thanh via e-mail and phone messages. In the past two weeks, Thanh was weaker so she exchanged information with his secretary. Thanh is being taken care by his wife and his eldest son.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Thanh was born in 1953 in Hoa Vang, Da Nang. He served as Chairman and Party Secretary of Da Nang. His statement "saying is doing" is supported, trusted by the people, who expected Thanh’s positive contribution to the fight against corruption when he assumed the position of Head of the Central Home Affairs Committee in late December 2012.

Working in Hanoi, Mr. Thanh is still a member of the National Assembly delegation of Da Nang. At the 8th session of the National Assembly in October, he was absent due to medical treatment.

VNE/VNN