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Zaw Min Tun (general)

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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 on a Tatmadaw's press conference in 2019
Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar
Incumbent
Assumed office
7 February 2021
PresidentMyint Swe (acting)
Min Aung Hlaing (acting)
Prime MinisterMin Aung Hlaing
Deputy Soe Win (general)
Preceded byAung Hla Tun
Head of the Press Team of the State Administration Council
Incumbent
Assumed office
5 February 2021
LeaderMin Aung Hlaing
Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team
Incumbent
Assumed office
5 February 2021
Personal details
BornYenanchaung, Myanmar (Burma)
CitizenshipBurmese
SpouseThin Thin Aung
Alma materDefence Services Academy
Military service
Allegiance Tatmadaw
Branch/service Myanmar Army
Years of service1990–present
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][5] He serves concurrently as the chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team and heads the press team of the State Administration Council (SAC).[6][7][8][9][10] His leadership positions within the military and government make him a crucial figure in Myanmar's current political landscape. Zaw Min Tun has been recognized as a senior spokesperson for the Myanmar Army, particularly following the military coup in February 2021 that led to widespread political unrest and public protests. His role has been significant in the communication strategies employed by the military during this period, ensuring the conveyance of the regime's narratives to both domestic and international audiences. He oversees the distribution of information through various state-controlled media outlets, which play a critical role in shaping public perception of the military's actions and policies.[11][12][13][14]

Born in Yenanchaung, Myanmar, and currently holding the rank of major general in the Myanmar Army, his journey blends military expertise with political prominence.[15][16][17][18] 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).[19][20][21][22] His influence extends beyond military responsibilities, recognized as a key spokesperson for the Myanmar Army, known as the Tatmadaw.[23][24][25][26] Zaw Min Tun's trajectory underscores a significant role in shaping and communicating Myanmar's political narrative.[27][28][29][30] With a background in military public relations, Zaw Min Tun has been instrumental in presenting the Tatmadaw's perspective, often responding to allegations of human rights abuses and critiquing opposition movements. His efforts are aimed at reinforcing the military's position and justifying its actions in the eyes of the public, as well as attempting to maintain a semblance of legitimacy amidst ongoing scrutiny from various sectors. Through press conferences and official statements, Zaw Min Tun articulates the military's stance on key issues, including national security and governance, making him a prominent voice for the military junta. His influence extends beyond mere communication, as he is often seen accompanying high-ranking military officials, which underscores his importance within the military hierarchy. As the situation in Myanmar continues to evolve, Zaw Min Tun remains a pivotal figure in the military's ongoing efforts to control the narrative and respond to the challenges posed by dissent and international criticism.

Early life and education

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Zaw Min Tun was born in Yenanchaung, Myanmar (Burma).[31][32][33] He joined the Defense Services Academy (DSA), where he was thoroughly trained in various military disciplines, including tactics, leadership, and strategic communication. The DSA, known for producing many of Myanmar's military leaders, instilled in him essential skills that would later play a crucial role in his military career and public relations efforts. During his time at the academy, Zaw Min Tun developed a strong sense of discipline and commitment, which shaped his professional identity. The intense training not only prepared him for military operations but also equipped him with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of military communication and public engagement. These skills became vital as he advanced through the ranks of the Myanmar Army.[34][35][36][37]

Zaw Min Tun's military career is characterized by significant interactions with various key figures in Myanmar’s political landscape.[38][39][40][41] One notable relationship is with Zaw Htay, the former spokesperson for Myanmar's ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) which was led by Aung San Suu Kyi.[42][43][44] Both Zaw Htay and Zaw Min Tun hail from central Myanmar—Zaw Htay from Magwe and Zaw Min Tun from Yenanchaung—yet their political paths diverged significantly, with Zaw Min Tun aligning himself with the military regime.[45][46][47][48] Their paths reflect the deep political divides in Myanmar, with Zaw Htay advocating for democratic governance and Zaw Min Tun firmly entrenched in the military establishment. This divergence illustrates the contrasting perspectives that emerged from their shared origins in central Myanmar.

Throughout his career, Zaw Min Tun's increasing responsibilities within the military enabled him to engage in high-level discussions regarding national security and public messaging. He developed a keen understanding of the media landscape in Myanmar, recognizing the importance of shaping narratives in a politically charged environment. This insight would later prove invaluable as he took on leadership roles in military communication, particularly during critical moments in the nation’s history, such as the 2021 military coup. Zaw Min Tun's educational background and military training provided a strong foundation for his rise to key positions within the government and military. Over time, he became a prominent figure in shaping and communicating the military's perspective, influencing Myanmar's political discourse during periods of instability.

Military career

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Zaw Min Tun has played a significant role within the Tatmadaw, emerging as a prominent figure and spokesperson for the military amid substantial political changes in Myanmar.[49][50][51][52] His influence has grown, particularly during critical junctures in the country's governance and military operations.

On February 5, 2021, he was appointed as the press team leader for the State Administration Council (SAC) and as chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team. Shortly thereafter, on February 7, 2021, he became the Deputy Minister of Information. [53][54][55][56] Despite holding the title of deputy minister, Zaw Min Tun often exercises considerable influence, sometimes surpassing that of the actual minister, former Major General Maung Maung Ohn.[57][58][59] His close association with Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing further highlights his significant role within the military establishment.[60][61][62][63]

In a tragic event reflecting the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, Lieutenant Colonel Thet Paing Tun, a nephew of Zaw Min Tun and commander of the Khmer 119 Battalion, was shot and killed near the Uru River on October 9, 2024, after escaping from the Battle of Sain Taung. Thet Paing Tun was pursued and subsequently captured by Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defence Force (PDF) troops following the military's defeat at the Lucky Men Hotel in Sain Taung.[64][65]

As the spokesperson for the SAC, Zaw Min Tun has overseen all press conferences aimed at conveying and justifying SAC's narratives regarding the February 2021 Myanmar coup d'état and the military's subsequent actions.[66][67][68][69] In his position as Government Deputy Minister of Information, he bears direct responsibility for state-owned media, managing the transmission of official news and shaping public perception through these channels.[70][71][72][73]

Before these high-profile appointments, Zaw Min Tun served as the director of the military's Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare. This role involved crafting communication strategies and addressing public sentiment regarding military operations.[74][75][76][77] Notably, he was tasked with managing the military's response during the Operation 1027 resistance offensive in northern Shan State, where he defended the Tatmadaw's actions through public statements and media engagements.[78][79][80]

His multifaceted role emphasizes his importance in shaping the narrative and communication strategies of the Tatmadaw during crucial political events.[81][82][83][84] Throughout his tenure as the SAC's spokesperson, he has consistently articulated the regime's policies and actions, which have attracted significant attention and scrutiny from various sectors, both domestically and internationally. [85][86][87][88][89]

Personal life

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Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung.[90] Details about their family life are generally kept private, reflecting the common practice among military leaders in Myanmar to maintain a degree of separation between personal and professional matters. The couple frequently attends public events, including military parades and government ceremonies, highlighting their active participation in Myanmar's political landscape.

See also

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References

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  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. ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun told foreign media on Tuesday that Aung San Suu Kyi and the president of her toppled government, Win Myint, were among the elderly and infirm prisoners transferred from prison". Al Jazeera News. 17 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Detained Myanmar president, state counsellor to be treated in line with law: military". Xinhua. 16 February 2021.
  7. ^ "Exclusive Interview with Major General Zaw Min Tun, Spokeperson of SAC ". NP News. 14 March 2022.
  8. ^ "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.
  9. ^ "Myanmar protesters gather again after worst day of violence". The Times Of India. 21 February 2021.
  10. ^ Ingyin Naing (19 February 2024). "Myanmar Army Enforces Conscription Law Amid Backlash, Exodus". VOA News.
  11. ^ "Myanmar Military Asks Govt to Punish Minister for Police Remark". The Irrawaddy. 4 February 2020.
  12. ^ "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.
  13. ^ "Explainer: Crisis in Myanmar after army alleges election fraud". Reuters. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  14. ^ "Myanmar army flexes muscles as Suu Kyi's government begins second term". Reuters. 29 January 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2024 – via WION.
  15. ^ "Myanmar confirms that a key northeastern city near China has been seized by an armed ethnic alliance". The Economic Times.
  16. ^ "Myanmar hosts 1st regional meeting since army takeover". The Times Of India. 4 July 2022.
  17. ^ "Myanmar military court delays verdict in Suu Kyi corruption trial". The Times Of India. 25 April 2022.
  18. ^ "Myanmar military meets rebel groups with China's help - army spokesperson". Reuters. 11 December 2023.
  19. ^ "Myanmar ethnic minority fighters seize town from military". The Economic Times. 16 December 2023.
  20. ^ "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.
  21. ^ "Myanmar army denies detained Australian academic released". The Times Of India. 7 February 2022.
  22. ^ "Myanmar military says facing 'heavy assault' from insurgents". The Japan Times. 16 November 2023.
  23. ^ "Analyzing Information Strategies Employed by the Myanmar Army known as 'the Tatmadaw'". The Irrawaddy. 14 June 2022.
  24. ^ "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.
  25. ^ "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.
  26. ^ "Myanmar military and ethnic guerrilla groups agree ceasefire". BreakingNews.ie. 1 December 2024.
  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. ^ "Myanmar army enforces mandatory military service for young people. 'The duty to safeguard and defend the nation extends beyond just the soldiers but to all citizens. So I want to tell everyone to proudly follow this people's military service law,' military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told state media". Deccan Herald. 11 February 2024.
  31. ^ "Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi is moved to house arrest due to extreme heat. A spokesperson for the Myanmar military that ousted democratically elected Suu Kyi, 78, in a coup in 2021 said it was protecting her and other older prisoners from heatstroke". NBC News. 16 April 2024.
  32. ^ Grant Peck (8 December 2023). "Myanmar's army is facing battlefield challenges and grants amnesty to troops jailed for being AWOL". AP News.
  33. ^ "Zaw Min Tun, however, claimed the order was merely resistance propaganda issued to coincide with attacks. People who wanted to know the truth about Naypyitaw could ask anyone there, he added". The Irrawaddy. 29 November 2023.
  34. ^ "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.
  35. ^ "Myanmar military known as the Tatmadaw introduces compulsory military service". The Times Of India. 12 February 2024.
  36. ^ "Myanmar's military accused of war crimes over response to rebel offensive". The Times Of India. 21 December 2023.
  37. ^ "Myanmar's military offers pardons to returning army deserters". Agencia EFE. 5 December 2023.
  38. ^ "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.
  39. ^ "Myanmar Situation Update: Leader of the SAC Information Team Zaw Min Tun makes clarifications". MITV. 4 December 2023.
  40. ^ "Media's Unfair Coverage Exhausts Military's Patience: Spokesperson". The Irrawaddy. 30 April 2019.
  41. ^ "Myanmar military admits facing 'heavy assaults' from anti-coup forces. Spokesperson says opponents dropping 'hundreds' of drones on military outposts as offensive pushes forward". Al Jazeera News. 16 November 2023.
  42. ^ "Myanmar armed group seizes China-Myanmar border crossing". The Times Of India. 26 November 2023.
  43. ^ "A control station of the Myanmar-China oil and natural gas pipeline in Kyaukme Township of Shan State (North) was invaded and destroyed by armed groups, said Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson of the State Administration Council". The Nation Thailand. 27 November 2023.
  44. ^ "Myanmar rebels seize vital border town as China calls for ceasefire". Al Jazeera News. 2 November 2023.
  45. ^ "Myanmar political standoff leaves economy in tatters". The Times Of India. 14 November 2021.
  46. ^ "Myanmar military cooperating with 5 neighbours, vows to stamp out 'anarchy". The Straits Times. 23 March 2021.
  47. ^ "Myanmar military confirms deadly air strike on Sagaing region". TVC News. 12 April 2023.
  48. ^ "Myanmar army rebuffs Cambodia ex-leader's request to meet Suu Kyi". VOA News. 8 May 2024.
  49. ^ "'We Didn't Put Restrictions on Everything,' Says Myanmar Junta Spokesman in 1st Remarks Since Coup". Radio Free Asia.
  50. ^ "Myanmar's army defends crackdown, vows to stop 'anarchy'". Thai PBS World. 23 March 2021.
  51. ^ "Myanmar says Aung San Suu Kyi in 'good health', met Thai FM". Al Jazeera News. 14 July 2023.
  52. ^ "SAC Information Team Leader Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun Make Explanations on the Fighting Situation in Northern Shan State, Rakhine State and Loikaw Township of Kayah State". Ministry of Defence (Myanmar). 17 November 2023.
  53. ^ "Major-General Zaw Min Tun says China and Myanmar are strategic partners". cnimyanmar.com.
  54. ^ "General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman and deputy information minister, speaks during a media tour of the sitting Maravijaya Buddha statue". AP News.
  55. ^ "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.
  56. ^ "Alliance of 3 ethnic rebel groups carries out coordinated attacks in northeastern Myanmar". The Times Of India. 27 October 2023.
  57. ^ "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.
  58. ^ "Myanmar military exempts women from draft for now". Nikkei Asia. 22 February 2024.
  59. ^ "Myanmar army arrests ex-presidential spokesman over social media comments". Radio Free Asia. 3 November 2023.
  60. ^ "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.
  61. ^ "Myanmar military, ethnic groups agree to instant cease-fire". The Nation Thailand. 14 January 2024.
  62. ^ "Myanmar Says Drone Attack by Ethnic Groups Destroyed 120 Trucks". VOA News. 24 November 2023.
  63. ^ "Fate of military officers unclear following surrender to rebels in Myanmar's Shan state". Radio Free Asia. 23 January 2024.
  64. ^ "ဆိုင်းတောင်တိုက်ပွဲမှ ထွက်ပြေး လွတ်မြောက်နေသော အကြမ်းဖက် ဇော်မင်းထွန်း၏ တူတော်စပ်သူ ခမရ ၁၁၉ တပ်ရင်းမှူး ဒုဗိုလ်မှူးကြီး သက်ပိုင်ထွန်း ဥရုချောင်းအနီး ပစ်ခတ်ဖမ်းဆီးရာမှ သေဆုံးသွားပြီး အလောင်းရရှိ". Khit Thit Media. 10 October 2024.
  65. ^ "ကသိုင်းတောင်တိုက်ပွဲတွင် သေဆုံးခဲ့ပြီဟု သိရှိထားသော ဇော်မင်းထွန်း၏ အမျိုး ခမရ ၁၁၉ တပ်ရင်းမှူး ဒုဗိုလ်မှူးကြီး သက်ပိုင်ထွန်းမှာ ဆိုင်းတောင် Lucky Men ဟိုတယ်တိုက်ပွဲတွင် ထပ်မံ လွတ်မြောက်သွားပြန်". Khit Thit Media. 9 October 2024.
  66. ^ "Answer of Major General Zaw Min Tun, leader of SAC Information Team, to accusations of media". Global New Light Of Myanmar.
  67. ^ "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.
  68. ^ "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.
  69. ^ "Myanmar Army Steps Up Forced Conscription". The Irrawaddy. 15 February 2024.
  70. ^ "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.
  71. ^ "Myanmar army warns may 'take action' over its election dispute". Reuters.
  72. ^ "Myanmar's military frees thousands of detainees in amnesty". Nepal News. 19 October 2021.
  73. ^ "China's top diplomat visits Myanmar amid opposition protest". The Times Of India. 3 July 2022.
  74. ^ "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.
  75. ^ "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". Myanmar International TV. 15 November 2023.
  76. ^ "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.
  77. ^ "No Contact: How Myanmar's Military Isolated Daw Aung San Suu Kyi From the World". The Irrawaddy. 10 May 2024.
  78. ^ "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.
  79. ^ "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.
  80. ^ "Ethnic armies' 'Operation 1027' put Myanmar's army on defensive in 2023". Radio Free Asia. 30 December 2023.
  81. ^ "As Myanmar's Military Stumbles, a Top General's Disappearance Fuels Intrigue". The Irrawaddy. 19 April 2024.
  82. ^ Khine Lin Kyaw, James Mayger (12 January 2024). "Myanmar's Army Says It Reached Cease-Fire Deal With Rebels". Bloomberg News.
  83. ^ "Myanmar Military Spokesman Calls on China to Break Online Crime Gangs". The Irrawaddy. 2 November 2023.
  84. ^ "Myanmar army spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun has attempted to sow ethnic discord between Shan, Ta'ang and Kokang communities in northern Shan State. He accused the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) of fighting to occupy Shan territory". The Irrawaddy. 22 November 2023.
  85. ^ "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.
  86. ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun says Tatmadaw does not use poison gas bomb to attack TNLA". Channel News Independent.
  87. ^ "Myanmar's Tatmadaw tries a divide and conquer strategy in Shan State". Myanmar NOW. 23 November 2023.
  88. ^ "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.
  89. ^ "Myanmar Army Dismisses Soldiers' Rohingya Atrocity Confessions as Coerced". Radio Free Asia. 9 September 2020.
  90. ^ "ဥပ္ပါတသန္တိစေတီတော်၌ ဗုဒ္ဓမြတ်စွယ်တော်ပူးလာ ရဟန်းရှင်လူပြည်သူများဖြင့်စည်ကားလျက်ရှိ" (PDF). မြန်မာ့အလင်း (in Burmese). 18 November 2011. p. 9.
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