1. Than Shwe's governance saw the implementation of various policies aimed at economic development, modernization and infrastructure improvements.
33 Facts About Than Shwe
1. 2.
Than Shwe was involved in efforts to stabilize the country and manage internal conflicts.
3.
Than Shwe continues to wield significant influence within the military.
4.
Than Shwe was born on 2 February 1933, in Minzu village, near Kyaukse, British Burma, to his parents, Lay Myint and Seinn Yin.
5.
Than Shwe 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.
6.
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.
7.
Than Shwe later became the psychological warfare officer of the 3rd Infantry Brigade on 4 December 1961.
8.
Than Shwe was then posted to 101 Light Infantry Battalion as a temporary company commander for the battalion headquarters unit.
9.
Than Shwe was transferred to Operations Planning Department within the Office of Chief of Staff as a General Staff Officer on 16 December 1969.
10.
Than Shwe assumed the role of a No 1 Infantry Battalion on 23 August 1971 and earned a promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel on 7 September 1972.
11.
Than Shwe was then transferred back to the Operations Planning Department within the Office of Chief of Staff as a General Staff Officer on 4 August 1975.
12.
In March 1980, Than Shwe became commanding officer of the 88th LID.
13.
Than Shwe oversaw various operations, including Operation Ye Naing Aung, Operation Nay Min Yang, and Operation Min Yan Aung, carried out by the 88th LID.
14.
Than Shwe took on the role of commanding officer at the Southern Western Regional Military Command on 22 July 1983 and subsequently became the chairman of Irrawaddy Division Party Committee on 5 August 1983.
15.
Than Shwe was promoted to brigadier general on 16 August 1984 and assumed the position of vice chief of staff on 4 November 1985.
16.
Than Shwe was promoted to the rank of full general and assumed the positions of vice-commander in chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces and commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Army on 18 March 1990.
17.
Than Shwe relaxed some state control over the economy, and was a supporter of Burma's participation in the Association of South East Asian Nations.
18.
Than Shwe oversaw a large crackdown on corruption, which saw the sackings of a number of cabinet ministers and regional commanders in 1997.
19.
Than Shwe has continued the suppression of the free press in Burma, and has overseen the detention of journalists who oppose his regime.
20.
Than Shwe maintains a low profile, often perceived as reserved and serious, with a reputation as a hardliner and a skilled manipulator.
21.
Than Shwe has been linked to the toppling and arrest of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt in 2004, which has significantly increased his own power.
22.
Than Shwe is said to rely heavily on advice from his soothsayers, a style of ruling dating back to General Ne Win, a leader who once shot his mirror to avoid bad luck.
23.
However, Than Shwe refused to meet Gambari when he visited Burma in November 2007 and again on 10 March 2008.
24.
In early May 2008, Than Shwe refused many foreign aid workers from entering the country in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.
25.
Than Shwe's leadership has faced criticism for violence and human rights abuses.
26.
In 1998 Than Shwe ordered the execution of 59 civilians living on Christie Island.
27.
Than Shwe's wife, Kyaing Kyaing, is of Chinese and Pa'O descent.
28.
Than Shwe is known to be a diabetic, and he is rumored to have intestinal cancer.
29.
Concerns about Than Shwe's health intensified after he failed to appear at an official Independence Day dinner for military leaders, officials, and diplomats on 4 January 2007.
30.
Than Shwe had checked out of the Singapore General Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment, and returned to Burma two weeks later.
31.
In January 2009, Than Shwe was talked into buying one of the world's most popular football clubs, Manchester United, for $1 billion by his favourite grandson Nay Shwe Thway Aung.
32.
On 23 October 2024, a significant event unfolded when 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.
33.
Than Shwe often performed superstitious yadaya rituals to maintain his power and followed the advice of astrologers and shamans.