Strict fines for loud karaoke in Vietnam are needed

By Tran Trung Tinh   February 2, 2025 | 04:37 am PT
Loud karaoke using high-powered speakers in Vietnam must face heavy penalties to protect public health.

As the Tet holiday approaches, the spread of deafening karaoke sessions across Vietnam is alarming. A recent VnExpress survey found that 92% of readers support stricter penalties for this behavior.

For years, disputes over noisy karaoke have led to violent incidents, yet current regulations only impose fines on those playing loud music after 10 p.m. This leaves elderly people, children, and working adults to endure excessive noise throughout the day.

A person singing karaoke in public using an amplifier. Illustration photo by VnExpress

A person singing karaoke in public using an amplifier. Illustration photo by VnExpress

This issue has dragged on for years. Why has such a serious threat to public health in Vietnam been largely ignored?

Public awareness campaigns and voluntary agreements have failed to deal with the problem, making stricter legal penalties the only viable solution. Many countries have already implemented effective measures against this problem that Vietnam could adopt, such as:

- Sound played through amplifiers must be confined to properly soundproofed rooms.

- Outdoor events with amplifiers should be banned from Monday to Saturday, regardless of volume. On Sundays, they should be allowed only between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. with specific permits and strict volume limits.

- Violators should be fined VND8 to 10 million (US$319 to 399) with enforcement not requiring noise level measurements.

A simple law against amplified sound would swiftly put an end to loud karaoke disturbing neighborhoods. Beyond reducing noise pollution, it would also prevent conflicts and protect public health in Vietnam.

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