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Than Shwe
Than Shwe (Burmese: သန်းရွှေ; pronounced [θáɰ̃ ʃwè]; born 2 February 1933) is a retired Burmese army general who led Myanmar as the second chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and as well as the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services from 1992 until his resignation in 2011 and also concurrently served as the eighth prime minister from 1992 to 2003. He previously served as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services from 1985 and the vice chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and deputy prime minister from 1988 until 1992.
Born in Kyaukse, Than Shwe received military training and in 1953 joined the Tatmadaw (the Armed Forces of Myanmar) and rose through the ranks. In 1985, he was appointed the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. In 1988, following a coup that followed the 8888 Uprising, Than Shwe was appointed the vice chairman of the newly formed State Peace and Development Council and deputy prime minister by Saw Maung, the new leader of Myanmar. In 1992, Saw Maung stepped down and Than Shwe immediately became the new leader of Myanmar.
As head of state, Than Shwe played a major role in shaping the country's political landscape. He adopted the 2008 Constitution, implementation of various policies aimed at economic development, modernization and infrastructure improvements, and as well as also being involved in efforts to stabilize the country and manage internal conflicts. In 2011, Than Shwe announced his retirement and officially stepped down as head of state, facilitating the transition to his chosen successor, Thein Sein, whereas for the head of the Armed Forces, he was succeeded by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
While Than Shwe's leadership was marked by significant achievements, it also faced scrutiny and criticism, particularly regarding allegations of human rights abuses and restrictions on political freedoms. His tenure coincided with a period of political transition and international scrutiny, with Myanmar experiencing both internal and external challenges. Despite being retired, Than Shwe continues to wield significant influence within the military.
Than Shwe was born on 2 February 1933, in Minzu village, near Kyaukse, British Burma (now Myanmar), to Lay Myint and Seinn Yin. His early education led him to Government High School in Kyaukse, where he completed his studies in 1949. Following his education, he began his career as a postal clerk at the Meikhtila Post Office. However, his path shifted towards the military when he enlisted in the Burmese Army, joining the ninth intake of the Officers Training School, Bahtoo.
After graduating from the Officer Training School, Second Lieutenant Than Shwe assumed the role of a squad leader in No. 1 Infantry Battalion on 11 July 1953. Progressing through the ranks, he was promoted to platoon commander in 1955 with the rank of lieutenant. On 21 February 1957, he advanced to the position of company commander within the same battalion, holding the rank of captain. He demonstrated early leadership and strategic capabilities during military operations in Karen State, Southern Shan State, and the Eastern Thanlwin area conducted by No. 1 Infantry Battalion.
On 26 February 1958, Than Shwe's career took an international turn as he was assigned to the newly established Directorate of Education and Psychological warfare within the War Office. Between April 1958 and November 1958, he underwent specialized army officers' training in the Soviet Union, conducted by the KGB. Subsequently, on 9 December 1961, he assumed the role of a company commander in No. 1 Psychological Warfare Battalion under Northern Regional Military Command on 9 December 1961. He later became the psychological warfare officer of the 3rd Infantry Brigade on 4 December 1961. On 18 December 1963, he was transferred to Central Political College as an instructor. He was then posted to 101 Light Infantry Battalion as a temporary company commander for the battalion headquarters unit.
Promoted to the rank of major, Than Shwe joined the 77th (LID) Light Infantry Division on 27 January 1969. Between 1969 and 1971, he successfully completed the Higher Command and Staff Course at the Frunze Military Academy in the Soviet Union. During the tenure with the 77th LID, he actively participated in military operations across Karen State, Irrawaddy Delta region and Bago Hills. He was transferred to Operations Planning Department within the Office of Chief of Staff (Army) as a General Staff Officer (G2) on 16 December 1969. Than Shwe was nicknamed 'the bulldog' in the military.
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Than Shwe
Than Shwe (Burmese: သန်းရွှေ; pronounced [θáɰ̃ ʃwè]; born 2 February 1933) is a retired Burmese army general who led Myanmar as the second chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and as well as the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services from 1992 until his resignation in 2011 and also concurrently served as the eighth prime minister from 1992 to 2003. He previously served as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services from 1985 and the vice chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and deputy prime minister from 1988 until 1992.
Born in Kyaukse, Than Shwe received military training and in 1953 joined the Tatmadaw (the Armed Forces of Myanmar) and rose through the ranks. In 1985, he was appointed the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. In 1988, following a coup that followed the 8888 Uprising, Than Shwe was appointed the vice chairman of the newly formed State Peace and Development Council and deputy prime minister by Saw Maung, the new leader of Myanmar. In 1992, Saw Maung stepped down and Than Shwe immediately became the new leader of Myanmar.
As head of state, Than Shwe played a major role in shaping the country's political landscape. He adopted the 2008 Constitution, implementation of various policies aimed at economic development, modernization and infrastructure improvements, and as well as also being involved in efforts to stabilize the country and manage internal conflicts. In 2011, Than Shwe announced his retirement and officially stepped down as head of state, facilitating the transition to his chosen successor, Thein Sein, whereas for the head of the Armed Forces, he was succeeded by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
While Than Shwe's leadership was marked by significant achievements, it also faced scrutiny and criticism, particularly regarding allegations of human rights abuses and restrictions on political freedoms. His tenure coincided with a period of political transition and international scrutiny, with Myanmar experiencing both internal and external challenges. Despite being retired, Than Shwe continues to wield significant influence within the military.
Than Shwe was born on 2 February 1933, in Minzu village, near Kyaukse, British Burma (now Myanmar), to Lay Myint and Seinn Yin. His early education led him to Government High School in Kyaukse, where he completed his studies in 1949. Following his education, he began his career as a postal clerk at the Meikhtila Post Office. However, his path shifted towards the military when he enlisted in the Burmese Army, joining the ninth intake of the Officers Training School, Bahtoo.
After graduating from the Officer Training School, Second Lieutenant Than Shwe assumed the role of a squad leader in No. 1 Infantry Battalion on 11 July 1953. Progressing through the ranks, he was promoted to platoon commander in 1955 with the rank of lieutenant. On 21 February 1957, he advanced to the position of company commander within the same battalion, holding the rank of captain. He demonstrated early leadership and strategic capabilities during military operations in Karen State, Southern Shan State, and the Eastern Thanlwin area conducted by No. 1 Infantry Battalion.
On 26 February 1958, Than Shwe's career took an international turn as he was assigned to the newly established Directorate of Education and Psychological warfare within the War Office. Between April 1958 and November 1958, he underwent specialized army officers' training in the Soviet Union, conducted by the KGB. Subsequently, on 9 December 1961, he assumed the role of a company commander in No. 1 Psychological Warfare Battalion under Northern Regional Military Command on 9 December 1961. He later became the psychological warfare officer of the 3rd Infantry Brigade on 4 December 1961. On 18 December 1963, he was transferred to Central Political College as an instructor. He was then posted to 101 Light Infantry Battalion as a temporary company commander for the battalion headquarters unit.
Promoted to the rank of major, Than Shwe joined the 77th (LID) Light Infantry Division on 27 January 1969. Between 1969 and 1971, he successfully completed the Higher Command and Staff Course at the Frunze Military Academy in the Soviet Union. During the tenure with the 77th LID, he actively participated in military operations across Karen State, Irrawaddy Delta region and Bago Hills. He was transferred to Operations Planning Department within the Office of Chief of Staff (Army) as a General Staff Officer (G2) on 16 December 1969. Than Shwe was nicknamed 'the bulldog' in the military.
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