Who Is Nguyễn Văn Thiệu? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on April 5, 1923, Nguyễn Văn Thiệu was a prominent political figure who served as the President of South Vietnam from 1967 until the fall of Saigon in 1975. A military officer by training, Thiệu’s political career was marked by significant turmoil during the Vietnam War era. As of 2025, Thiệu would be 101 years old. His legacy continues to spark discussions about Vietnam’s history and the impact of his presidency on the nation’s trajectory.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1923 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Phan Rang, Ninh Thuận province, Annam, French Indochina |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | China |
| Date of death | 29 September, 2001 |
| Died Place | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Popularity
Nguyễn Văn Thiệu's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As an influential leader, his physical presence was notable, though specific measurements may not be widely documented. Historical accounts often portray him as of average stature for a Vietnamese male; a common estimate places his height around 5'7" (170 cm). Weight fluctuated during his tumultuous presidency, but typical ranges for male politicians of his era suggest he would have hovered around 150 lbs (68 kg).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Nguyễn Văn Thiệu was married to his wife, Trần Lệ Xuân, known as Madame Thiệu, who played a significant role in his public life. Together, they had three children. Their relationship endured despite the pressures of political life, although it was often scrutinized by the media during the war years. As of 2025, although Thiệu’s immediate family, like many from his era, faces the challenges of historical remembrance, their legacy continues to be discussed in Vietnamese communities.
During World War II, Imperial Japan invaded French Indochina and seized control. Ninh Thuận was taken over by the Japanese in 1942, but the reaction from the locals was muted, and Thiệu continued to work the ricelands alongside his father for another three years.
Net Worth and Salary
While extensive financial details about Nguyễn Văn Thiệu’s net worth are not explicitly documented, his position as president and his involvement in various businesses suggest he amassed considerable wealth during his time in office. Estimates from historical analyses suggest his financial empire, accumulated from political connections and investments, could have reached into the millions of dollars before his exile following the fall of Saigon.
With the help of his brother, Nguyễn Văn Hiếu, a Paris-trained lawyer who served in the upper echelons of the State of Vietnam government, Thiệu initially was enrolled in the Merchant Marine Academy.
After a year, he was given his officer's commission, but he rejected a position on a ship when he discovered that the French owners were going to pay him less than his French colleagues. This incident was said to have made him suspicious of foreigners.
Thiệu later became known for his paranoia and distrust of his American allies when he rose to the top of politics.
Career, Business and Investments
Thiệu’s career was predominantly influenced by his military background, which propelled him into the political arena. His presidency was defined by effort to fortify South Vietnam against the North, often through controversial U.S. alliances and military strategies. Post-presidency, it is reported that Thiệu attempted to invest in various businesses, although accurate documentation of his ventures is scarce due to the nature of his exile and the subsequent shift in political landscape in Vietnam.
In 1967, a transition to elected government was scheduled; and, after a power struggle within the military, Thiệu ran for the presidency with Kỳ as his running mate—both men had wanted the top job. To allow the two to work together, their fellow officers had agreed to have a military body controlled by Kỳ shape policy behind the scenes.
Leadership tensions became evident, and Thiệu prevailed, sidelining Kỳ supporters from key military and cabinet posts.
Thiệu then passed legislation to restrict candidacy eligibility for the 1971 election, banning almost all would-be opponents, while the rest withdrew as it was obvious that the poll would be a sham; Thiệu won 100% of the vote and the election was uncontested, while Kỳ retired from politics.
Social Network
In terms of social networks, Nguyễn Văn Thiệu would have relied heavily on traditional forms of communication typical of political figures in the 20th century, such as public speeches and interviews. Although modern platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were not available during his lifetime, his impact remains alive through historical discourse on these platforms. Discussions about his role in the Vietnam War continue to engage younger generations interested in political history and international relations.
Thiệu was a lieutenant colonel when the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) was founded and officially gained full sovereignty after the withdrawal of French forces in 1955, following the 1954 Geneva Agreement. In 1956, he was appointed as head of the National Military Academy in Đà Lạt, and held the post for four years.
There he formed ties with many of the younger officers and trainees and who went on to become his generals, colonels and majors when he ascended to the presidency a decade later. In 1957, and again in 1960, Thiệu was sent to the United States for military training.
He studied at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and in weapons training at Fort Bliss, Texas, as well as at the Joint and Combined Planning School of the Pacific Command in Okinawa.
Education
Thiệu received his education in Vietnam before continuing it in the United States, where he studied military leadership and administration. His education served as a foundation for his later military and political strategies and contributed significantly to his understanding of governance and international relations during a complex Cold War era.
Born in Phan Rang on the south central coast of Vietnam, Thiệu was a son of a small, well-off landowner who earned his living by farming and fishing. Thiệu was the youngest of five children. His elder brothers raised money so that he could attend the elite schools run by France, who were Vietnam's colonial rulers.
Although not yet a Catholic (he converted later in life after getting married), Thiệu attended Pellerin, a French-run Catholic school in Huế, the imperial seat of the Nguyễn dynasty. He returned to his hometown after graduating.
