Zaw Min Tun (general)

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In this Burmese name, the given name is Zaw Min Tun. There is no family name.
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.[1][2][3] He serves concurrently as the Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team and heads the Press Team of the State Administration Council (SAC).[4][5] Zaw Min Tun is acknowledged as a senior spokesman for the Myanmar Army.[6][7][8]

Born in Yenangyaung, Myanmar (Burma), and currently holding the rank of major general in the Myanmar Army, Zaw Min Tun's journey blends military expertise with political prominence.[9][10] 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).[11][12] His influence extends beyond military responsibilities, recognized as a key spokesperson for the Myanmar Army, known as the Tatmadaw.[13][14] Zaw Min Tun provides crucial insights during key moments, such as the Operation 1027 resistance offensive.[15][16] Zaw Min Tun's trajectory underscores a significant role in shaping and communicating Myanmar's political narrative.[17][18]

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.[19][20] Graduating from the 37th intake of the Defence Services Academy, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and academic prowess, setting him apart from his peers.[21][22] 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.[23][24][25]

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

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.[26][27]

On 5 February 2021, he assumed the role of the State Administration Council'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. [28][29][30] 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 1 February 2021 Myanmar coup d'état and the military's subsequent actions.[31][32] 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.[33][34][35]

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.[36][37] His responsibilities extended to addressing the Operation 1027 resistance offensive in northern Shan State and defending the military's actions through public statements.[38][39] 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. [40][41]

Personal life[edit]

Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung.[42]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Union Ministers and Deputy Ministers". www.moi.gov.mm.
  2. ^ "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.
  3. ^ Sebastian, Strangio (25 January 2023). "Myanmar Military Spokesperson Expresses Uncertainty Over Junta Polls". The Diplomat.
  4. ^ "Detained Myanmar president, state counsellor to be treated in line with law: military". Xinhua. 16 February 2021.
  5. ^ "Exclusive Interview with Major General Zaw Min Tun, Spokeperson of SAC ". NP News. 14 March 2022.
  6. ^ "Myanmar Military Asks Govt to Punish Minister for Police Remark". The Irrawaddy. 4 February 2020.
  7. ^ "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.
  8. ^ "Explainer: Crisis in Myanmar after army alleges election fraud". Reuters. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  9. ^ "Myanmar confirms that a key northeastern city near China has been seized by an armed ethnic alliance". The Economic Times.
  10. ^ "Myanmar hosts 1st regional meeting since army takeover". The Times Of India. 4 July 2022.
  11. ^ "Myanmar ethnic minority fighters seize town from military". The Economic Times. 16 December 2023.
  12. ^ "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.
  13. ^ "Analyzing Information Strategies Employed by the Myanmar Army known as 'the Tatmadaw'". The Irrawaddy. 14 June 2022.
  14. ^ "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.
  15. ^ "Dialogue with Suu Kyi 'not impossible' says Myanmar military". The Times Of India. 1 July 2022.
  16. ^ "Myanmar military condemned for execution of 4 democracy activists". The Times Of India. 25 July 2022.
  17. ^ "Cambodian leader asks Myanmar to reconsider foes' executions". The Times Of India. 11 June 2022.
  18. ^ "China FM to visit Myanmar this weekend: Myanmar army spokesman Zaw Min Tun". The Times Of India. 28 June 2022.
  19. ^ "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.
  20. ^ "Myanmar military known as the Tatmadaw introduces compulsory military service". The Times Of India. 12 February 2024.
  21. ^ Khine Lin Kyaw (31 January 2024). "Myanmar Military Extends Emergency Rule for Another Six Months". Bloomberg.
  22. ^ "Shan Fighting Continues Despite China's Talks with Myanmar Military". The Irrawaddy. 12 December 2023.
  23. ^ "Opinion | Where Is Spokesman U Zaw Htay?". The Irrawaddy. 8 February 2021.
  24. ^ "Myanmar police move to stamp out protests after envoy appeals to UN to stop coup". The Times Of India. 27 February 2021.
  25. ^ "Myanmar rebels seize vital border town as China calls for ceasefire". Al Jazeera News. 2 November 2023.
  26. ^ "'We Didn't Put Restrictions on Everything,' Says Myanmar Junta Spokesman in 1st Remarks Since Coup". Radio Free Asia.
  27. ^ "Myanmar's army defends crackdown, vows to stop 'anarchy'". Thai PBS World. 23 March 2021.
  28. ^ "Major-General Zaw Min Tun says China and Myanmar are strategic partners". cnimyanmar.com.
  29. ^ "General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman and deputy information minister, speaks during a media tour of the sitting Maravijaya Buddha statue". AP News.
  30. ^ "Alliance of 3 ethnic rebel groups carries out coordinated attacks in northeastern Myanmar". The Times Of India. 27 October 2023.
  31. ^ "Answer of Major General Zaw Min Tun, leader of SAC Information Team, to accusations of media". Global New Light Of Myanmar.
  32. ^ "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.
  33. ^ "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.
  34. ^ "Myanmar army warns may 'take action' over its election dispute". Reuters.
  35. ^ "Myanmar Junta threatens prison, execution for supporting Myanmar opposition". Radio Free Asia. 21 September 2022.
  36. ^ "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.
  37. ^ "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.
  38. ^ "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.
  39. ^ "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.
  40. ^ "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.
  41. ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun says Tatmadaw does not use poison gas bomb to attack TNLA". Channel News Independent.
  42. ^ "ဥပ္ပါတသန္တိစေတီတော်၌ ဗုဒ္ဓမြတ်စွယ်တော်ပူးလာ ရဟန်းရှင်လူပြည်သူများဖြင့်စည်ကားလျက်ရှိ" (PDF). မြန်မာ့အလင်း (in Burmese). 18 November 2011. p. 9.

External links[edit]

Myanmar Ministry of Defence Official Website


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