German photographer of Vietnam war passes away at 88

Thomas Billhard, the renowned German photographer and journalist famous for his iconic photos about the war in Vietnam, has passed away at the age of 88.

Photographer Thomas Billhardt and Vietnamese soldiers. (Photo courtesy of Thomas Billhardt)
Photographer Thomas Billhardt and Vietnamese soldiers. (Photo courtesy of Thomas Billhardt)

Berlin (VNA) - Thomas Billhard, the renowned German photographer and journalist famous for his iconic photos about the war in Vietnam, has passed away at the age of 88.

Photographer Thomas Billhardt was born in 1937 in Chemnitz, Germany. He was recognised as one of the most prominent documentary photographers of the German Democratic Republic era. His photographs played a significant role in showcasing the horrors of the war in Vietnam (1965-1975) to the world.

Billhardt first came to Vietnam in 1967. The photographer witnessed the brutal realities of war through bomb craters, ruined buildings, and the constant sound of air raid sirens. At that time, Hanoi was enduring heavy bombing raids from US planes during the first phase of the bombing campaign in North Vietnam.

Thomas Billhardt is particularly renowned for his iconic photos taken in Vietnam. Notable among his works are four famous photo books: “Pilots in Pajamas” (1968), “Aspirations for Peace: Vietnam” (1973), “Hanoi - The Days before Peace” (1973) and “Faces of Vietnam” (1978). In 2020, he published “Hanoi 1967-1975” and held an exhibition of the same name in Hanoi. His powerful images of the Vietnam War have been showcased in Germany, Sweden, and Russia, establishing Billhardt as a globally recognised photographer.

After the war ended, Thomas returned to Vietnam several times to reconnect with the country he cherished. He sought out the individuals featured in his photos to learn how they had lived during the years of peace.

In 2020, following his “Hanoi 1967-1975” exhibition and the release of the photo book, Thomas Billhardt was honoured with the “Bui Xuan Phai - For the Love of Hanoi” award by the Vietnam News Agency’s The thao & Van hoa newspaper./.

VNA

See more

At a rehearsal of the military-civilian parade to mark the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30. (Photo: VNA)

Grand celebration, parade marking 50th national reunification anniversary to take place on April 30 in HCM City

A national-level celebration celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30 will feature a 30-minute art performance, flag-saluting, speeches by top leaders and representatives of war veterans and young people. It will be followed by a military-civilian parade and a symbolic release of balloons and doves.

Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen Dinh Hoang Linh (middle), his spouse and delegates at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese community in Thailand honours cultural, traditional values

Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen Dinh Hoang Linh reiterated the Party and State’s constant policy of considering the Vietnamese community abroad as an inseparable part and an important resource of the nation. The diplomat expressed his hope that the community will continue to accompany and join hands with their fellows at home in striving towards a prosperous and powerful future for the country.

The 8th reenactment of the Hung Kings' Death Anniversary ceremony organised at the Vietnam Culture Festival 2025 in Osaka. (Photo: VNA)

2025 Vietnam Culture Festival held in Osaka

The Vietnam Culture Festival 2025 in Japan's Sakai city is not only an opportunity to preserve and promote Vietnamese culture but also serves as a bridge to bring the image of Vietnam and its people closer to Japanese friends.

Artists perform Thai traditional dance at the opening ceremony of the "Creative Thailand: The Pulse of Tradition" festival. (Photo of organisers)

Visitors enjoy Thai environment, lifestyle at Hanoi festival

At the Thai Festival, from March 28 night to March 30 morning in Hanoi, visitors explored typical Thai dishes, along with health care and beauty care products and traditional handicrafts. They also enjoyed traditional dances from many regions of Thailand, tried making Khanom Krok coconut cakes and painting patterns on silk, among other activities.

The Vietnamese publications of the Mog the Cat series by author Judith Kerr are introduced at the UK Children's Picture Book Week. (Photo: phunuvietnam.vn)

Book week in Hanoi invites children to the wonderland of British tales

Vu Thi Quynh Lien, Deputy Director of Kim Dong Publishing House, said: “The UK Children's Picture Book Week brings a fresh and creative reading space, helping young children access famous picture book works. Through this, they not only explore but also develop a love for reading from an early age.”