Than Shwe

Than Shwe (သန်းရွှေ; ; born 2 February 1933) is a retired Burmese army general who played a role in Myanmar's political landscape.

As the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), he held influential authority, contributing to a perception of centralized power.

Than Shwe was born on 2 February 1933, in Minzu village, near Kyaukse, British Burma (now Myanmar), to his parents, 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.

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.

He 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.

Than Shwe was then transferred back to the Operations Planning Department within the Office of Chief of Staff (ARMY) as a General Staff Officer (G1) on 4 August 1975.

During the tenure with the 77th LID, he actively participated in military operations across Karen State, Irrawaddy Delta region and Bago Hills.

On 26 March 1977, he attained the rank of a colonel and assumed the position of deputy commander of the 88th LID Light Infantry Division on 2 May 1978.

On March 1980, Than Shwe became commanding officer of the 88th LID.

In 1981, he was elected as a member of the ruling Burma Socialist Programme Party's Central Executive Committee during the fourth session of the Party's conference.

He 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.

Than Shwe was promoted to brigadier general on 16 August 1984 and assumed the position of vice chief of staff (Army) on 4 November 1985.

Promoted to major general on 4 November 1986 and to lieutenant general on 4 November 1987, he assumed the position of Deputy Minister of Defence on 27 July 1988.

As the commanding officer of No. 1 Infantry Battalion, he actively participated in offensive operations against various insurgents carried out by the 88th Light Infantry Division (LID) in the Bhamo region, Northern Shan State, Southern Shan State, and Eastern Shan State.

He oversaw various operations, including Operation Ye Naing Aung, Operation Nay Min Yang, and Operation Min Yan Aung, carried out by the 88th LID.

After the military coup on 18 September 1988, following the democracy uprising of 1988, Than Shwe became vice-chairman of State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), a 21-member military cabinet headed by Senior General Saw Maung.

He 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.

His governance from 1992 to 2011 involved policies that some considered restrictive, alongside a notable military presence.

Than Shwe served as the head of state of Myanmar, holding the position of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) during the same period, influencing the country's political trajectory.

Occupying key positions, including Prime Minister of Myanmar, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Services, and head of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Than Shwe has elicited various perspectives on his governance.

On 23 April 1992, Senior General Saw Maung unexpectedly resigned, citing health reasons.

In March 2011, he officially stepped down as head of state, facilitating the transition to his chosen successor, Thein Sein.

As the head of the Armed Forces, he was succeeded by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Than Shwe continues to wield significant influence within the military.