Jump to content

Zaw Min Tun (general)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In this Burmese name, the given name is Zaw Min Tun. There is no family name.
His Excellency[1]
Major General
Zaw Min Tun
ဇော်မင်းထွန်း
Zaw Min Tun in 2019
Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar
Assumed office
7 February 2021
PresidentMyint Swe (acting)
Prime MinisterMin Aung Hlaing
Deputy Soe Win (general)
Preceded byAung Hla Tun
Head of the Press Team of the State Administration Council
Assumed office
5 February 2021
LeaderMin Aung Hlaing
Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team
Assumed office
5 February 2021
Personal details
BornYenangyaung, Myanmar (Burma)
CitizenshipBurmese
SpouseThin Thin Aung
Alma materDefence Services Academy
Military service
Allegiance Tatmadaw
Branch/service Myanmar Army
Rank Major General

Zaw Min Tun (Burmese: ဇော်မင်းထွန်း; pronounced [zɔ̀ mɪ́ɰ̃ tʰʊ̀ɴ]) is a Burmese army general and the current Deputy Minister of Information in Myanmar.[2][3][4] He serves concurrently as the Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team and heads the Press Team of the State Administration Council (SAC).[5][6][7][8] Zaw Min Tun is acknowledged as a senior spokesman for the Myanmar Army.[9][10][11][12]

Born in Yenangyaung, Myanmar (Burma), and currently holding the rank of major general in the Myanmar Army, his journey blends military expertise with political prominence.[13][14][15] Graduating from the 37th intake of the Defense Services Academy, he rose to key positions, serving as Deputy Minister of Information, Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team, and leading the Press Team of the State Administration Council (SAC).[16][17][18] His influence extends beyond military responsibilities, recognized as a key spokesperson for the Myanmar Army, known as the Tatmadaw.[19][20][21][22] Zaw Min Tun provides crucial insights during key moments, such as the Operation 1027 resistance offensive.[23][24][25][26] Zaw Min Tun's trajectory underscores a significant role in shaping and communicating Myanmar's political narrative.[27][28][29]

Early life and education[edit]

Zaw Min Tun was born in Yenangyaung, Myanmar (Burma). His upbringing in this region provided the foundation for his military career.[30][31][32] Graduating from the 37th intake of the Defence Services Academy, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and academic prowess, setting him apart from his peers.[33][34][35][36] His education equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of military strategy and leadership principles, paving the way for his future roles within the Myanmar Army.[37][38]

Throughout his military career, Zaw Min Tun's path intersected with various key figures, reflecting his involvement in shaping Myanmar's political narrative.[39][40][41] Notably, his journey included interactions with individuals like Zaw Htay, a former spokesperson for Myanmar's ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government.[42] Despite their shared origins in central Myanmar—Zaw Htay from Magwe and Zaw Min Tun from Yenangyaung—their trajectories diverged.[43][44][45] While Zaw Htay aligned himself with the NLD government, Zaw Min Tun assumed a contrasting role, contributing to the narratives of the military regime.[46][47]

Military career[edit]

Zaw Min Tun has played a pivotal role within the Tatmadaw, emerging as a prominent figure and spokesperson for the military amid significant political shifts in Myanmar.[48][49]

On 5 February 2021, he assumed the role of the State Administration Council (SAC)'s Press Team Leader and Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team, followed by his appointment as Deputy Minister of Information on 7 February 2021. [50][51][52][53] Despite his title as deputy minister, Zaw Min Tun wields considerable influence, often more than the actual minister, former Major General Maung Maung Ohn.[54] He is frequently seen accompanying Min Aung Hlaing, which underscores his significant role.[55] Serving as the State Administration Council (SAC)'s spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun has overseen all press conferences, aimed at conveying and justifying SAC narratives regarding the February 2021 Myanmar coup d'état and the military's subsequent actions.[56][57][58] In his capacity as Government Deputy Minister of Information, he holds direct responsibility for state-owned media, overseeing the broadcast and publication of official news.[59][60][61][62]

Prior to these appointments, Zaw Min Tun served as the director of the military's Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare before being assigned to the military press team.[63][64][65] His responsibilities extended to addressing the Operation 1027 resistance offensive in northern Shan State and defending the military's actions through public statements.[66][67][68] His multifaceted role underscores his significance in shaping the narrative and communication strategies of the Tatmadaw during critical political junctures. During his tenure as the SAC's spokesperson, he has consistently articulated the regime's policies and actions, which have garnered attention and scrutiny from various quarters. [69][70][71][72][73]

Personal life[edit]

Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung.[74]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Meeting between Hun Sen and Aung San Suu Kyi unfeasible at present- SAC spokesman (Published on May 10, 2024)
  2. ^ "Union Ministers and Deputy Ministers". www.moi.gov.mm.
  3. ^ "This is not a coup", said Major General Zaw Min Tun from a gilded hall in Myanmar's purpose-built capital Naypyidaw, the city where his comrades recently ousted an elected government, detained the country's leadership, and installed a military junta". The ASEAN Post. 9 April 2021.
  4. ^ Sebastian, Strangio (25 January 2023). "Myanmar Military Spokesperson Expresses Uncertainty Over Junta Polls". The Diplomat.
  5. ^ "Detained Myanmar president, state counsellor to be treated in line with law: military". Xinhua. 16 February 2021.
  6. ^ "Exclusive Interview with Major General Zaw Min Tun, Spokeperson of SAC ". NP News. 14 March 2022.
  7. ^ "Myanmar military government spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun told pro-army media a day after Laukkaing's fall that its local commanders relinquished control of the city after considering many factors including the safety of family members and of soldiers stationed there". The Seattle Times. 24 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Myanmar protesters gather again after worst day of violence". The Times Of India. 21 February 2021.
  9. ^ "Myanmar Military Asks Govt to Punish Minister for Police Remark". The Irrawaddy. 4 February 2020.
  10. ^ "Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun from the Myanmar military's information team said the soldiers' sentences were reduced after their family members and Buddhist monks submitted petitions to Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing". Radio Free Asia. 30 May 2019.
  11. ^ "Explainer: Crisis in Myanmar after army alleges election fraud". Reuters. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  12. ^ "Myanmar army flexes muscles as Suu Kyi's government begins second term". Reuters. 29 January 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2024 – via WION.
  13. ^ "Myanmar confirms that a key northeastern city near China has been seized by an armed ethnic alliance". The Economic Times.
  14. ^ "Myanmar hosts 1st regional meeting since army takeover". The Times Of India. 4 July 2022.
  15. ^ "Myanmar military court delays verdict in Suu Kyi corruption trial". The Times Of India. 25 April 2022.
  16. ^ "Myanmar ethnic minority fighters seize town from military". The Economic Times. 16 December 2023.
  17. ^ "Naypyidaw: About 88 per cent of schools across Myanmar have reopened since June 1, spokesperson of the military-run State Administration Council (SAC) Zaw Min Tun said". The Times Of India. 13 June 2021.
  18. ^ "Myanmar army denies detained Australian academic released". The Times Of India. 7 February 2022.
  19. ^ "Analyzing Information Strategies Employed by the Myanmar Army known as 'the Tatmadaw'". The Irrawaddy. 14 June 2022.
  20. ^ "Government spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun made the announcement at a news conference in the capital Naypyitaw, where he also said the authorities are trying to vaccinate 50% of the country's population this year". The Times Of India. 27 August 2021.
  21. ^ "Spokesman Zaw Min Tun said authorities were making progress in reducing Coronavirus infections and aimed to inoculate half of the country's population by the end of this year". The Times Of India. 27 August 2021.
  22. ^ "Myanmar military and ethnic guerrilla groups agree ceasefire". BreakingNews.ie. 1 December 2024.
  23. ^ "Dialogue with Suu Kyi 'not impossible' says Myanmar military". The Times Of India. 1 July 2022.
  24. ^ "Myanmar military condemned for execution of 4 democracy activists". The Times Of India. 25 July 2022.
  25. ^ "Rebel group says more than 12,000 displaced by Myanmar military air strikes". The Times Of India. 3 April 2021.
  26. ^ "Activists, journalists included in Myanmar prisoner release". The Times Of India. 30 June 2021.
  27. ^ "Cambodian leader asks Myanmar to reconsider foes' executions". The Times Of India. 11 June 2022.
  28. ^ "China FM to visit Myanmar this weekend: Myanmar army spokesman Zaw Min Tun". The Times Of India. 28 June 2022.
  29. ^ "Rohingya wary as Myanmar's anti-junta resistance reaches out". The Times Of India. 12 July 2021.
  30. ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun - Press Team Leader of the State Administrative Council appointed on 5 February 2021 and the Deputy Minister for Information appointed on 7 February 2021 by the State Administrative Council (SAC)". Open Sanctions. 21 June 2021.
  31. ^ "Myanmar military known as the Tatmadaw introduces compulsory military service". The Times Of India. 12 February 2024.
  32. ^ "Myanmar's military accused of war crimes over response to rebel offensive". The Times Of India. 21 December 2023.
  33. ^ Khine Lin Kyaw (31 January 2024). "Myanmar Military Extends Emergency Rule for Another Six Months". Bloomberg.
  34. ^ "Shan Fighting Continues Despite China's Talks with Myanmar Military". The Irrawaddy. 12 December 2023.
  35. ^ "Myanmar's Military Steps Up Forced Conscription". The Irrawaddy. 15 February 2024.
  36. ^ "Democracy Activists on Death Row Deserve Execution: Myanmar Junta Press Chief". The Irrawaddy. 16 June 2022.
  37. ^ "Opinion | Where Is Spokesman U Zaw Htay?". The Irrawaddy. 8 February 2021.
  38. ^ "Myanmar police move to stamp out protests after envoy appeals to UN to stop coup". The Times Of India. 27 February 2021.
  39. ^ "State Administration Council Information Team Leader Major General Zaw Min Tun Provides Updates on Ongoing Armed Conflicts and Measures Taken by the Tatmadaw". Myanmar National Portal. 21 November 2023.
  40. ^ "Myanmar Situation Update: Leader of the SAC Information Team Zaw Min Tun makes clarifications". MITV. 4 December 2023.
  41. ^ "Media's Unfair Coverage Exhausts Military's Patience: Spokesperson". The Irrawaddy. 30 April 2019.
  42. ^ "Myanmar armed group seizes China-Myanmar border crossing". The Times Of India. 26 November 2023.
  43. ^ "Myanmar political standoff leaves economy in tatters". The Times Of India. 14 November 2021.
  44. ^ "Myanmar military cooperating with 5 neighbours, vows to stamp out 'anarchy". The Straits Times. 23 March 2021.
  45. ^ "Myanmar military confirms deadly air strike on Sagaing region". TVC News. 12 April 2023.
  46. ^ Nyein Nyein (18 January 2019). "AA Must Give Up Goal of Confederation: Myanmar Military". The Irrawaddy.
  47. ^ "China holds military drills along violence-hit Myanmar border Beijing informed Myanmar's ruling military about the exercises, military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said Saturday, adding the military would "cooperate with China to work for peace and border stability"". The Times Of India. 25 November 2023.
  48. ^ "'We Didn't Put Restrictions on Everything,' Says Myanmar Junta Spokesman in 1st Remarks Since Coup". Radio Free Asia.
  49. ^ "Myanmar's army defends crackdown, vows to stop 'anarchy'". Thai PBS World. 23 March 2021.
  50. ^ "Major-General Zaw Min Tun says China and Myanmar are strategic partners". cnimyanmar.com.
  51. ^ "General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman and deputy information minister, speaks during a media tour of the sitting Maravijaya Buddha statue". AP News.
  52. ^ "Tatmadaw's spokesperson General Zaw Min Tun said the military was facing "heavy assaults from a significant number of armed rebel soldiers" in Shan state in the northeast, Kayah state in the east and Rakhine state in the west". The Japan Times. 16 November 2023.
  53. ^ "Alliance of 3 ethnic rebel groups carries out coordinated attacks in northeastern Myanmar". The Times Of India. 27 October 2023.
  54. ^ "Clarification by Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, Leader of the Information Committee of the State Administration Council, on the Fabricated News about the incident in Byaingphyu Village in Sittway Township Released by AA Terrorists". Global New Light of Myanmar. 6 June 2024.
  55. ^ "At the time junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun told the pro-regime Popular News Journal that the priorities were the safety of regime personnel and their families and relations with China". The Irrawaddy. 23 January 2024.
  56. ^ "Answer of Major General Zaw Min Tun, leader of SAC Information Team, to accusations of media". Global New Light Of Myanmar.
  57. ^ "Special thanks to all the media for presenting a fair review of the facts in both voices: SAC Information Team Leader Major Gen Zaw Min Tun". The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Ministry of Information.
  58. ^ "SAC Information Team leader Major General Zaw Min Tun clearly unveils no plan to recruit women for military service now". The Global New Light of Myanmar. 21 February 2024.
  59. ^ "SAC Information Team Leader Major General Zaw Min Tun Make Explanations on the Fighting Situation in Northern Shan State, Rakhine State and Loikaw Township of Kayah State". Myanmar National Portal.
  60. ^ "Myanmar army warns may 'take action' over its election dispute". Reuters.
  61. ^ "Myanmar's military frees thousands of detainees in amnesty". Nepal News. 19 October 2021.
  62. ^ "China's top diplomat visits Myanmar amid opposition protest". The Times Of India. 3 July 2022.
  63. ^ "The BBC's interview with military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun comes after the release of US journalist Danny Fenster who had been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Major General Zaw Min Tun said Ms Suu Kyi was being treated well while in detention". BBC News. 16 November 2021.
  64. ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun, the leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council, provided updates on November 15th regarding ongoing armed conflicts. In the northeastern part of Shan State, operations are underway at Shin Khut Htan post near Laukkai. At No.190 Light Infantry Unit in Tamoenye, military officers, Tatmadawmen, and family members are strongly defending against over 100 drop bomb attacks. The Major General expressed recognition and gratitude for the strong spirit of those in Tamoenye by the Heads of State and the Tatmadaw. In the western command area, SalunAi Post was attacked with a massive force. With strong defense, the insurgents retreated with many failures. In Liokaw, there are attacks at Loikaw Prison, State Police Office, and the insurgents retreated with many failures. In the northeast command, there are many drop bomb attacks at several posts, and some have been merged as per the military strategy. Plans are underway to defend against drop bomb attacks, and he stressed the importance of public support. He expressed that the Tatmadaw is sacrificing lives to defend the nation in successive eras. At present, the terrorist acts for the utter devastation of the nation by terrorist groups can be seen vividly". Myanmar International TV. 15 November 2023.
  65. ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the ruling military council, was quoted Tuesday in state media as saying that about 1,000 soldiers who deserted, or went absent without leave or had retired, had gone through the process of requesting the military for their return to service". Borneo Bulletin. 8 December 2023.
  66. ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the military government, acknowledged in a phone interview with pro-military media outlet NP News that towns in northern Shan state had been attacked, and members of the security forces were killed in the town of Chinshwehaw, but did not give a number". The Washington Times. 27 October 2023.
  67. ^ "On 1 November 2023, the Myanmar's military spokesman General Zaw Min Tun accepted the Myanmar military's defeat in several sectors in the Shan state, including the crucial border town of Chinshwehaw". ORF. 26 January 2024.
  68. ^ "Ethnic armies' 'Operation 1027' put Myanmar's army on defensive in 2023". Radio Free Asia. 30 December 2023.
  69. ^ "Military government spokesman Zaw Min Tun, acknowledged in a phone interview with a pro-military media outlet that towns in northern Shan state had been attacked". VOA News. 28 October 2023.
  70. ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun says Tatmadaw does not use poison gas bomb to attack TNLA". Channel News Independent.
  71. ^ "Myanmar's Tatmadaw tries a divide and conquer strategy in Shan State". Myanmar NOW. 23 November 2023.
  72. ^ "Spokesperson General Zaw Min Tun said troops were under "heavy assaults from a significant number of armed rebel soldiers" in Shan State in the north, Kayah State in the east and Rakhine State in the west". Al Jazeera English. 16 November 2023.
  73. ^ "Myanmar Army Dismisses Soldiers' Rohingya Atrocity Confessions as Coerced". Radio Free Asia. 9 September 2020.
  74. ^ "ဥပ္ပါတသန္တိစေတီတော်၌ ဗုဒ္ဓမြတ်စွယ်တော်ပူးလာ ရဟန်းရှင်လူပြည်သူများဖြင့်စည်ကားလျက်ရှိ" (PDF). မြန်မာ့အလင်း (in Burmese). 18 November 2011. p. 9.

External links[edit]

Myanmar Ministry of Defence Official Website


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zaw_Min_Tun_(general)&oldid=1227574584"