Thang passed away in Ho Chi Minh City on August 22 at the age of 69.

She will be laid in rest in her hometown in Ben Luc district, in the southern province of Long An on August 25.

At the age of 11, Thang worked as a mail carrier. Several years later, she joined in building political establishments as a preparation for the 1968 General Offensive and Uprising.

After unsuccessfully attempting to assassinate a secret agent, Thang was arrested and tortured. Upon receiving a 20-year jail sentence, she remained calm and flashed a smile.

A Japanese photojournalist snapped the moment and called the photo “Triumphant smile”, which later became an inspiration for writers and artists at home and abroad.

Thang took up positions as member of the Party Central Committee for the 9th and 10th tenure, National Assembly deputy for the 9th, 10th and 11th tenure, General Director of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, and Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Association.

She was awarded the Order of Independence, second class; the Order of Labour, first class; the Order of Anti-US Resistance War and National Salvation, first class; the Cuba Friendship Order; and a badge marking her 40-year Party membership, among others.