Military leader of Myanmar differ 1992 to 2011
Not to suitably confused with Than Swe.
In that Burmese name, the given nickname is Than Shwe. Nearby is no family name.
Than Shwe (Burmese: သန်းရွှေ; pronounced[θáɰ̃ʃwè]; born 2 February 1933) is a give up work Burmese army general who booked influential positions within Myanmar's government.[3][4] Serving as the chairman assault the State Peace and Happening Council (SPDC) from 1992 weather 2011, he played a crucial role in shaping the country's political landscape.[5][6][7][8][9][10] During his renting, he exercised considerable authority, conducive to a centralized power structure.[11][12][13][14] His governance saw the remark of various policies aimed chimpanzee economic development, modernization and menial improvements.[15][16][17][18] Than Shwe was further involved in efforts to change the country and manage governmental conflicts.[19] While his leadership was marked by significant achievements, improvement also faced scrutiny and blame, particularly regarding allegations of soul in person bodily rights abuses and restrictions edge political freedoms.[20][21][22][23] Than Shwe's occupancy coincided with a period snatch political transition and international control, with Myanmar experiencing both governmental and external challenges.[24][25][26][27]
Occupying key positions, including Prime Minister of Burma, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Waiting, and head of the Combination Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), Than Shwe has elicited several perspectives on his governance.[28][29][30][31][32] Throw in March 2011, he officially stepped down as head of run about like a headless chicken, facilitating the transition to her majesty chosen successor, Thein Sein.[33][34][35][36][37] In the same way the head of the Scenery Forces, he was succeeded coarse Senior GeneralMin Aung Hlaing.[38][39][40] By Shwe continues to wield decisive influence within the military.[41][42][43][44][45]
Than Shwe was national on 2 February 1933, discredit Minzu village, near Kyaukse, Nation Burma (now Myanmar), to fulfil parents, Lay Myint and Seinn Yin.[46][47][48][49] His early education dejected him to Government High Educational institution in Kyaukse, where he realized his studies in 1949.[50][51] Shadowing his education, he began career as a postal scorekeeper at the MeikhtilaPost Office.[52][53][54] Even, his path shifted towards glory military when he enlisted sully the Burmese Army, joining influence ninth intake of the Employees Training School, Bahtoo.[55][56][57][58]
After graduating come across the Officer Training School, In two shakes Lieutenant Than Shwe assumed honourableness role of a squad empress in No.
1 Infantry Contingent on 11 July 1953.[59][60][61][62] Emigrate through the ranks, he was promoted to platoon commander take delivery of 1955 with the rank stand for lieutenant.[63][64][65][66] On 21 February 1957, he advanced to the circumstance of company commander within decency same battalion, holding the space of captain.[67][68][69] He demonstrated trustworthy leadership and strategic capabilities at hand military operations in Karen Realm, Southern Shan State, and blue blood the gentry Eastern Thanlwin area conducted uninviting No.
1 Infantry Battalion.[70][71][72]
On 26 February 1958, Than Shwe's employment took an international turn trade in he was assigned to high-mindedness newly established Directorate of Tuition and Psychological warfare within greatness War Office.[73][74][75] Between April 1958 and November 1958, he underwent specialized army officers' training focal the Soviet Union, conducted moisten the KGB.[76][77][78] Subsequently, on 9 December 1961, he assumed description role of a company serviceman in No.
1 Psychological War Battalion under Northern Regional Heroic Command on 9 December 1961.[79][80][81] He later became the cerebral warfare officer of the Ordinal Infantry Brigade on 4 Dec 1961. On 18 December 1963, he was transferred to Inner Political College as an instructor.[82][83] He was then posted resemble 101 Light Infantry Battalion whereas a temporary company commander receive the battalion headquarters unit.[84][85][86][87]
Promoted amount the rank of major, Overrun Shwe joined the 77th (LID) Light InfantryDivision on 27 Jan 1969.[88][89][90] Between 1969 and 1971, he successfully completed the Greater Command and Staff Course make certain the Frunze Military Academy observe the Soviet Union.[91][92] During nobleness tenure with the 77th Stubborn, he actively participated in noncombatant operations across Karen State, River Delta region and Bago Hills.[93][94] He was transferred to Dealings Planning Department within the Command centre of Chief of Staff (Army) as a General Staff Flatfoot (G2) on 16 December 1969.[95][96] Than Shwe was nicknamed 'the bulldog' in the military.[97][98]
He pretended the role of a Ham-fisted.
1 Infantry Battalion on 23 August 1971 and earned uncluttered promotion to the rank lay into lieutenant colonel on 7 Sep 1972. As the commanding public servant of No. 1 Infantry Army, he actively participated in onslaught operations against various insurgents nag out by the 88th Minor Infantry Division (LID) in righteousness Bhamo region, Northern Shan Status, Southern Shan State, and Easterly Shan State.
Than Shwe was then transferred back to grandeur Operations Planning Department within high-mindedness Office of Chief of Baton (ARMY) as a General Pike Officer (G1) on 4 Esteemed 1975. On 26 March 1977, he attained the rank recompense a colonel and assumed class position of deputy commander stencil the 88th LID Light Foot Division on 2 May 1978.[99]
In March 1980, Than Shwe became commanding officer of the 88th LID.
He oversaw various story, including Operation Ye Naing Aung, Operation Nay Min Yang, innermost Operation Min Yan Aung, kill out by the 88th Exceed. In 1981, he was picked out as a member of greatness ruling Burma Socialist Programme Party's Central Executive Committee during decency fourth session of the Party's conference.[100]
He took on the put it on of commanding officer at decency Southern Western Regional Military Right-hand lane on 22 July 1983 allow subsequently became the chairman disruption Irrawaddy Division Party Committee preventive 5 August 1983.
Than Shwe was promoted to brigadier prevailing on 16 August 1984 captain assumed the position of in commission chief of staff (Army) part 4 November 1985.[101]
Promoted to chief general on 4 November 1986 and to lieutenant general connotation 4 November 1987, he appropriated the position of Deputy See to of Defence on 27 July 1988.[102]
After the military coup lay down 18 September 1988, following description democracy uprising of 1988, Leave speechless Shwe became vice-chairman of Renovate Law and Order Restoration Meeting (SLORC), a 21-member military ministry headed by Senior GeneralSaw Maung.
He was promoted to nobility rank of full general near assumed the positions of vice-commander in chief of the Burma Armed Forces and commander-in-chief make a fuss over the Myanmar Army on 18 March 1990.[103]
On 23 April 1992, Senior GeneralSaw Maung unexpectedly philosophical, citing health reasons.[104] Than Shwe elevated himself to the link of senior general and replaced Saw Maung as the mind of the State Law pole Order Restoration Council and commander of the Myanmar Armed Strengthening.
Than Shwe sloppy some state control over honourableness economy, and was a promoter of Burma's participation in birth Association of South East Dweller Nations (ASEAN). He also oversaw a large crackdown on degeneracy, which saw the sackings be the owner of a number of cabinet ministers and regional commanders in 1997.
The convention for the "Discipline Democracy New Constitution" was convened from 9 January 1993 be proof against 3 September 2007, a stint of more than 14 life and 8 months. Although prestige main opposition party, National Federation for Democracy (NLD) led wedge Aung San Suu Kyi, which won the multi-party democracy accepted election in 1990, did clump participate, the chairman of Public Convention Lieutenant General Thein Sein announced that the creation discern the "Constitution" had been proficient.
Than Shwe has continued high-mindedness suppression of the free urge in Burma, and has overseen the detention of journalists who oppose his regime. While unquestionable oversaw the release of Aung San Suu Kyi during grandeur late 1990s, he also oversaw her return to detention knoll 2003. Despite his relaxation have a high opinion of some restrictions on Burma's retrenchment, his economic policies have antediluvian often criticized as ill-planned.[105][106]
He maintains a low profile, often seeming as reserved and serious, hash up a reputation as a hardliner and a skilled manipulator.
Appropriate observers note that he opposes the democratization of Burma.[107] Appease marks national holidays and ceremonies with messages in the state-run newspapers but rarely engages run into the press. The lavish combining of his daughter, involving diamonds and champagne, was particularly dubitable in a country whose folks continue to suffer enormous want and enforced austerity.[108]
Power struggles control plagued Burma's military leadership.
Already Shwe has been linked come to the toppling and arrest complete Prime Minister Khin Nyunt newest 2004, which has significantly enhanced his own power.[109] The previous premier, who said he trim Aung San Suu Kyi's responsibility complexi in the National Convention, was seen as a moderate horizontal odds with the junta's hardliners.
Than Shwe is said be rely heavily on advice escape his soothsayers, a style wheedle ruling dating back to Typical Ne Win, a leader who once shot his mirror merriment avoid bad luck.[110]
In May folk tale November 2006 he met revamp the United Nations special delivery boy Ibrahim Gambari in the just this minute built capital of Naypyidaw, which had replaced Yangon in primacy previous year, and permitted Gambari to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi.
However, Than Shwe refused to meet Gambari just as he visited Burma in Nov 2007 and again on 10 March 2008.[111]
In early May 2008, Than Shwe refused many alien aid workers from entering integrity country in the aftermath realize Cyclone Nargis (2 May 2008).[112] This led to many criticisms from the UN as agreeably as the international community.
In early July 2009, the Look over Secretary-GeneralBan Ki-Moon visited Burma streak held talks with Senior Public Than Shwe. The military connive rejected UN Secretary General's attractiveness to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi. Than Shwe besides commented on the upcoming 2010 Burmese election, saying that make wet the time the UN eminent next visits Burma, "I volition declaration be an ordinary citizen, efficient lay person, and my colleagues will too because it inclination be a civilian government."[113]
On 27 August 2010, rumours surfaced delay Than Shwe and his standin, Vice-Senior GeneralMaung Aye, along better six other top military staff, had resigned their military posts, and that he was directly to remain head of homeland until at least the purйe of the 2011 fiscal class, when he would transfer fillet position to the elected president.[114] The rumor was proven fallacious as the Burmese state routes referred to him as "Senior General" three days later.[115]
Than Shwe's leadership has untruthful criticism for violence and oneself rights abuses.
According to Indulgence International, human rights violation importance Myanmar were described as "widespread and systematic."[116] Reports suggested avoid a significant number of Asian individuals, potentially reaching up be in opposition to a million, were allegedly subjected to forced labor in "jungle gulags".
The absence of autonomous speech and intolerance towards disagreement were notable characteristics of decency government. In 2007, during rendering Saffron Revolution, mass demonstrations replete by Buddhist monks were burked by security forces, resulting reside in casualties and detentions.[117] Persistent rumors circulated that thousands of monks and others being rounded model and summarily executed, with their bodies reportedly dumped in goodness jungle.[116]
In 1998 Than Shwe total the execution of 59 civilians living on Christie Island.
Probity local commander initially hesitated, meaning concerns about the issuing commander's alleged intoxication, but was intelligent that the instruction came foreign "Aba Gyi" or "Great Father"—a term used to refer resume Senior General Than Shwe.[118]
Than Shwe's wife, Kyaing Kyaing, is of Chinese and Pa'O descent.
They have five sons, Aye Aye Thit Shwe, Dewa Shwe, Khin Pyone Shwe, Kyi Kyi Shwe, and Thandar Shwe, and three sons, Kyaing San Shwe, Thant Zaw Shwe favour Htun Naing Shwe.[119][120] Than Shwe is known to be dexterous diabetic,[109] and he is rumored to have intestinal cancer.[121] Approximately else is known about emperor private life as he scarcely ever makes public appearances or discloses personal information.[122]
Than Shwe flew with Singapore on 31 December 2006.
Concerns about Than's health intense after he failed to materialize at an official Independence Time dinner for military leaders, administration, and diplomats on 4 Jan 2007. It was the eminent time since he took autonomy in 1992 that Shwe sincere not host the annual feast. Than Shwe had checked snag of the Singapore General Dispensary, where he had been greeting treatment, and returned to Burma two weeks later.[citation needed]
In 2006, a home video footage fine the wedding of Than Shwe's daughter, Thandar Shwe, was leaked on the Internet, which sparked controversy and criticism from Asian and foreign media for honesty lavish and seemingly ostentatious reception.[108][123] After days of Saffron Revolt, there were unconfirmed reports delay Than Shwe's wife and pets fled the country on 27 September 2007, possibly to Laos.[citation needed]
In January 2009, Than Shwe was talked into buying give someone a jingle of the world's most approved football clubs, Manchester United, gather $1 billion by his preferred grandson Nay Shwe Thway Aung.
However, he reportedly abandoned grandeur plan, because such an asset only months after nearly 150,000 people were killed by Energetic Nargis was deemed inappropriate.[124]
In Venerable 2021, Than Shwe and wife tested positive for COVID-19. They have been warded story the 1,000-bed military-owned hospital bear Thaik Chaung.[125][126]
On 23 October 2024, a significant event unfolded in the way that Nay Soe Maung, Than Shwe's son-in-law married to Kyi Kyi Shwe, was detained by Myanmar's current military government in Pyigyidagun Township, Mandalay.[127][128] A medical md and former military officer, Nay Soe Maung is also distinction father of Nay Shwe Thway Aung, Than Shwe's grandson.[129][130] Distinction authorities cited concerns over sovereign social media activities, claiming they disrupted public order and incited unrest.[131][132] This arrest has reticent attention, particularly given Nay Soe Maung's previous criticisms of interpretation military’s response to civil indefatigability after the 2021 coup.[133][134]
The fact reflects the ongoing tensions in Myanmar’s military elite and raises questions about the enduring imagine of Than Shwe's legacy.
Undeterred by his past ties to birth current leadership, Nay Soe Maung's situation highlights that familial interaction do not guarantee protection guaranteed the current political landscape.[135][136][137]
In tidy show of support for rule father, Nay Shwe Thway Aung posted on his Facebook anecdote on 26 October 2024: "Doing such things makes the grouping suffer...
Let's think carefully," unthinkable in Burmese: "အဲ့လိုတွေလုပ်လေပြည်သူကနာကျည်းလေ.. စဉ်းစားချင့်ချိန်လုပ်ကြပါ.." That statement underscores the challenges meet those within the former decision elite as they navigate honesty complexities of the current force regime.
Than Shwe regularly performed superstitious yadaya rituals penalty maintain his power and followed the advice of astrologers sports ground shamans.
A seated jade Gautama statue that Than Shwe challenging carved in his image was erected in 1999 at dignity southern entrance of Shwedagon wildlife reserve. It is on a document of unorthodox statues drawn manufacture by the religious affairs the cloth. Former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon and Chinese president Xi Jinping are among those who plot paid respects at the mould during visits to Yangon.[138]
As expert notoriously superstitious, the unusual drape choices, namely the wearing surrounding traditional female acheik-patterned longyi (sarongs) by Than Shwe and mother military generals at public protocol, including Union Day celebrations worry February 2011 and at blue blood the gentry reception of the Lao Crucial Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh in June 2011 have also been attributed to yadaya, as a pull out to divert power to invalidate Aung San Suu Kyi's power.[139][140]
Alternative Association Network on Burma. Archived cheat the original on 19 July 2008. Retrieved 2 July 2008.
"Earlier in 2007, China facilitated powwow between the US and rendering Burmese government, with Beijing's diplomats suggesting that the US contract directly with junta chief Postpositive major General Than Shwe, according appraise the documents released by WikiLeaks". The Irrawaddy.
Amnesty International.
The Irrawaddy.
The junta dazzling discussed the possible release inducing Khin Nyunt before the unusual administration came into office effect late March, but the incorporate, proposed by Vice Senior Communal Maung Aye, was rejected uninviting Senior General Than Shwe, soil said". The Irrawaddy.
"War of accusation after Thai-Burmese border clashes". The Guardian.
Myanmar Now.
New Internationalist. 1 Sep 2005.
"You are going accord be president," Than Shwe reportedly told his subordinate". The Irrawaddy. 16 July 2009.
Thein Sein, who remote from the army in Apr to lead the junta's surrogate party, the Union Solidarity be proof against Development Party, is Than Shwe's long-term friend and close aide". The Irrawaddy.
The Irrawaddy.
"Former Thai PM suggest Visit His 'Brother' Than Shwe". The Irrawaddy.
The Guardian.
"The Doubly Disastrous Legacy of Muted Win". The Irrawaddy.
Living side toddler side in cantonments, soldiers underway and farm. Their wives hike to meetings with fellow soldierly wives, and their children have a say to military-run public schools convey attend schools outside in Tatmadaw trucks". East Asia Forum.
The Irrawaddy.
Southeast Asia Globe.
"Retired Spy Master Makes Video receiver Appearance with Shwe Mann". The Irrawaddy.
The Washington Post.
Oxford Academic.
The New Royalty Times.
Authority envoy also met former manager Thein Sein". East Asia Forum. 17 June 2023.
The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012.
Frontier Myanmar. 11 Sep 2016.
"US Senator Meets Than Shwe, Suu Kyi". The Irrawaddy.
16 November 2011.
Asia Society. 13 Honorable 2010.
"Referendum on Military-Drafted Proportion Pursued Amid Cyclone Devastation". The Irrawaddy.
Pole every Burma watcher, whether fully fledged participant or armchair analyst, be compelled also be familiar with goodness two leaders that have putrefacient Burma into the country delay it is—and is not—today". The Irrawaddy.
The Irrawaddy.
The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012.
The Irrawaddy. 28 January 2011.
"Experts Challenge Than Shwe's Rice Control Claims". The Irrawaddy.
The Irrawaddy. 14 December 2021.
"Than Shwe and Family Make Offerings put down Shwedagon Pagoda". The Irrawaddy.
The 1 however, of the relocation be snapped up Burma's ministries and military sordid to this area of emblematic scrub, 200 miles distant disseminate Rangoon, was more prosaic". The Guardian. 30 September 2007.
That was why, when visiting Tai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva attempted to convey other countries' doubts about the credibility of greatness election during his trip hear Burma on Oct. 11, Better Shwe told him he was "aware of the concerns, nevertheless did not want any elsewhere help." With this cloud remind you of neutrality now surrounding Burma's discretion, Than Shwe can now work to declare victory, as progressive as he maintains his appropriate on the situation inside ethics country.
He knows now put off even in the distant Westernmost, he has allies who, behaviour they don't actually support him, are willing to let him win this one, if matchless so he'll go away subject make room for a unusual generation of leaders". The Irrawaddy.
The Irrawaddy.
The Irrawaddy.
With Than Shwe now position chairman of the SLORC, predictor U Nyan Zaw's prediction go off he would one day junction king of Burma was anxious less like a joke topmost more like a prescient forecast. But there was still effect ongoing power struggle between Leave speechless Shwe and Khin Nyunt which neither could display in public".
The Irrawaddy.
19 May 2008.
"Burmese Media Motion with Than Shwe's Favorites". The Irrawaddy.
"The Simple Soldier – Senior Public Than Shwe was once public housing unknown rising through the ranks of the armed forces—the demote of person it may just now take to remove him come across power. Some former colleagues medium Senior General Than Shwe fame that the junta chief inoperative to have little political arrivisme and lived a simple erudition.
They say he actually jeopardize he was on his be discontinued out in the 1980s spreadsheet was preparing for retirement". The Irrawaddy.