The Than Dong 8 branch, located in Go Vap District, was suspended following a surprise inspection by the city's Department of Education and Training.

Inspectors on Tuesday said the center lacked a valid license for educational activities, had no officially recognized director, and failed to provide documentation for its teaching staff and tax obligations.

Despite only receiving approval for establishment in 2020, the center had already been running four English classes for children. Officials have ordered a complete halt to all operations and mandated full tuition refunds for affected families. The exact number of students involved and total refunds were not disclosed.

Than Dong 8 is part of the larger Than Dong English Center network, which claims to operate 33 branches across Ho Chi Minh City and its neighbor Dong Nai Province. The brand focuses on English programs for children aged 3 to 14, including courses geared toward Cambridge English certifications.

This is the latest in a string of crackdowns on unlicensed or mismanaged education providers in Vietnam.

Just weeks earlier, the Australia International English School (AIES) abruptly shut multiple branches in Thu Duc City, leaving both parents and staff without warning or explanation.

The incident sparked a wave of complaints and legal action. Initial investigations revealed that nearly 200 families may have lost prepaid tuition fees totaling over VND6.58 billion (US$258,000). Authorities are continuing to gather evidence as part of an ongoing probe.