80-year-old former Director General of Cienco6, Tran Thanh Minh leans against a stick to pay tribute to former PM Phan Van Khai at Reunification Palace in HCMC.

Many people traveled hundreds of kilometers from distant provinces to pay incense tribute to former PM Khai, who was well-known for his simple lifestyle and wholehearted support for the disadvantaged.  

Vo Van Tuan from An Giang province said: “I left my hometown yesterday and arrived at the palace this morning. Former PM Phan Van Khai once helped my family. Now I want to offer incense to him. He always cared for and helped the poor and small businesses.”

Duong Van Bao, a war veteran, said he had received much support from the former PM, adding: “I was lucky enough to meet the former PM in his hometown. I will never forget his smile and his warmth like a relative. As soldiers, today we will remember him, burn incense to him, and accompany him to his final resting place.”

Phan Nhu Lam, former Vice Secretary of Da Nang’s Party Committee, said: “What I learned from the former PM was his closeness to the public, his understanding of the public, and his desire to work for them. Also, his serious and wholehearted way of working. And finally, his effort to teach generations of cadres to lead a honest, incorruptible, and sociable lifestyle.”

The funeral service will run until the end of Wednesday.