Than Shwe
Burmese military leader and former senior general / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Than Shwe (Burmese: သန်းရွှေ; pronounced [θáɰ̃ ʃwè]; born 2 February 1933) is a retired Burmese army general who held influential positions within Myanmar's government.[3] Serving as the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) from 1992 to 2011, he played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape.[4][5] During his tenure, he exercised considerable authority, contributing to a centralized power structure.[6][7] His governance saw the implementation of various policies aimed at economic development, modernization and infrastructure improvements. Than Shwe was also involved in efforts to stabilize the country and manage internal conflicts. While his leadership was marked by significant achievements, it also faced scrutiny and criticism, particularly regarding allegations of human rights abuses and restrictions on political freedoms. Than Shwe's tenure coincided with a period of political transition and international scrutiny, with Myanmar experiencing both internal and external challenges.[8][9]
Than Shwe | |
---|---|
သန်းရွှေ | |
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council | |
In office 23 April 1992 – 30 March 2011 | |
Prime Minister | See list
|
Deputy | Maung Aye |
Preceded by | Saw Maung |
Succeeded by | Thein Sein (as President) |
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Myanmar | |
In office 23 April 1992 – 30 March 2011 | |
Deputy | Maung Aye |
Preceded by | Saw Maung |
Succeeded by | Min Aung Hlaing |
Prime Minister of Myanmar | |
In office 23 April 1992 – 25 August 2003 | |
Leader | Himself |
Preceded by | Saw Maung |
Succeeded by | Khin Nyunt |
Personal details | |
Born | (1933-02-02) 2 February 1933 (age 91)[2] Kyaukse, Upper Burma, British Burma (present-day Myanmar) |
Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
Spouse | Kyaing Kyaing |
Relations | Nay Shwe Thway Aung (grandson) |
Children | Multiple, including: Htun Naing Shwe Kyaing San Shwe Thandar Shwe Khin Pyone Shwe Aye Aye Thin Shwe Kyi Kyi Shwe Dewa Shwe Thant Zaw Shwe |
Alma mater | Officers Training School, Bahtoo, Frunze Military Academy (Soviet Union) |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Myanmar |
Branch/service | Myanmar Army |
Years of service | 1953–2011 |
Rank | Senior General |
Occupying key positions, including Prime Minister of Myanmar, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Services, and head of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), Than Shwe has elicited various perspectives on his governance.[10][11][12][13] In March 2011, he officially stepped down as head of state, facilitating the transition to his chosen successor, Thein Sein.[14][15][16] As the head of the Armed Forces, he was succeeded by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.[17][18] Than Shwe continues to wield significant influence within the military.[19][20][21][22]