Local authorities are detecting and erasing ads painted onto the pavements in Ho Chi Minh City. In Vietnam, it is common to see advertisements on walls and metal barricades but this kind of PR is something new.
On August 16, many travelers passing Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street in District 1 couldn’t stop raising eyebrows on seeing a giant picture painted on the street’s surface at the corner with Ly Tu Trong Street.
The painting, which depicts a big-sized cup of coffee, calls for investment in a series of coffee shops. Contact information including email address and phone numbers were also written on the pavement.
According to a xe om (motorbike taxi) driver at the location, the advertisement was created around early morning of August 16.
A similar advertisement was also found on the same street, at the corner with Vo Thi Sau in District 3.
Local authorities have erased the two ads and been investigating the matter. The Department of Information and Communications of HCMC has said the act of writing or drawing on public streets is illegal and a fine of VND5 million to VND10 million (US$240 – US$480) could be issued.