Ms. Hoang Thi Thiem, 40, from Hoa Binh province, can read and see normally when her eyes are covered.

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Thiem could read book though she was blindfolded.

Several tests and demonstration in Vietnam and other countries have apparently confirmed that Thiem is truly gifted.

Thiem’s special ability has been researched for years by scientists at the Centre for Human Ability Research. In 2006, Thiem demonstrated her unique skill before a large audience of scientists and reporters from 20 agencies and newspapers.

First off, with several strips of cloth tied over her eyes, she read an invitation card out loud and then some newspaper articles.

Some expressed surprise; others did not try to hide their doubt. Eventually, after reading out phone numbers and dialing them, and picking out trinkets and a needle from a tangle of objects, she convinced even the skeptics.

Thiem discovered this ability after joining a yoga class two years ago. When practicing yoga, she found that she could clearly see people around her even when her eyes were closed.

“When I’m blindfolded, I need to concentrate hard,” she explained. “I do not intend to use my special ability to make money. The scientists wanted to test me and I accepted.”

Vu The Khanh, head of the research center, commented that his people had collaborated with the Institute of Criminal Science to study the case.

Dao Vong Duc, a researcher from the Centre for Human Ability Research, remarked that this research has been conducted over a long while, adding that there were many human capabilities yet to be explored.

In 2007, a Japanese television channel tested the woman three times, once at the Centre for Human Ability Research in Hanoi and two times at Thiem’s house.

During the three tests, Thiem wore special glasses that prevented her from seeing anything. They gave her several pictures and asked her to re-draw the pictures. The tests were successful. Thiem was then invited to Japan to do other tests and again she was successful.

Last year, Thiem was invited to Germany for testing through different methods. She was blindfolded to play a game in which she had to beat any plastic animal which emerged from the playing table and to drive a motorbike. The tests convinced German scientists about her special ability.

A Korean television channel also invited Thiem to South Korea last year to showcase her special ability. Thiem surprised Korean people.

She will go to France and the US later this year to continue sharing her ability.

Since Thiem has discovered her talent, she has also helped many people search for missing remains and tombs of their relatives.

PV