Than Shwe Watch

As the rule of Burma’s paramount leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, drags on and Burma sinks deeper into crisis, the behavior patterns and political moves of this aging despot are the subject of increasing attention and speculation. The very fate of Burma is linked to Than Shwe, whose manic, xenophobic and superstitious character bode ill for a country that needs to pull itself into the 21st century and into the international community of democratic nations.

Since the start of 2006, The Irrawaddy has been keeping a special file on Than Shwe, and it forms the basis of a new online feature, the Than Shwe Watch. We shall be following his movements, his decisions, statements, and also carrying anecdotes and grapevine news about this enigmatic figure. Perhaps this chronology will yield clues about the future course of Burma.

Than Shwe Watch

8 March, 2009

Burmese military chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe attends a topping ceremony of Yadana Seinbudaw (diamond orb) and Yadana Hngetmyatnadaw (pennant-shape vane) at Uppatasanti Pagoda, a replica of Rangoon’s famed Shwe Dagon Pagoda in Naypyidaw.

His wife, Kyaing Kyaing, and other family members take part in the ceremony. Senior military officials and their wives, including No 2 chief Maung Aye and his wife, Mya Mya San, also attend.

Kyaing Kyaing throws bank notes into the air and donates money to thousands of people during the consecration ceremony.

February 3, 2009

Snr-Gen Than Shwe is too busy to meet UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari, but he apparently finds time to meet and greet the new ambassadors of China, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Than Shwe features on the front page of The New Light of Myanmar at an embassy function as if to demonstrate his disrespect for the UN mandate for political reconciliation with the democratic opposition in Burma.

December 25, 2008

The junta leader is shown in state-run media for the second time visiting Kungyangon Township in Rangoon Division, one of the areas devastated by Cyclone Nargis. Accompanying him on his tour are Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and other senior military officers.

Than Shwe has not appeared in the state-run media visiting a cyclone disaster zone since May 18.

December 12, 2008

Commander in Chief Than Shwe attends the 51st intake of the Defense Service Academy in Pyinoolwin (formerly known as May Myo), Mandalay Division, with his wife, Kyaing Kyaing, two of their daughters, a granddaughter and his favorite grandson. The junta’s No 3, Gen Thura Shwe Mann, and Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo are also present at the ceremony.

November 28, 2008

At the 15th annual meeting of the military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) in Naypyidaw, Than Shwe says that the seven-step road map is the only way to achieve a smooth transition to democracy.

“The most crucial step for democratic transition has been implemented successfully due largely to public support, organizing measures of members [of the USDA] and the Tatmadaw that devotes itself to national defense duties,” he said.

“Despite various disturbances and pressure from those who do not want to realize the objective conditions of the nation, the goal of the state is drawing near,” he added.

All members of the State Peace and Development Council, including the second in command, Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, attended the USDA annual meeting, except for Gen Shwe Mann, the third highest-ranking general in Burma, who was in China to strengthen relations between the two countries’ armed forces.

October 27, 2008

Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets with visiting Vice Chief-of-Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Gen Zhang Li, in Naypyidaw. Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the Burmese junta’s No 3, and navy and army commanders also attend the meeting.

August 6, 2008

Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in Naypyidaw.