Wikipedia

Zaw Min Tun (general)

Burmese army major general, Myanmar's military spokesperson, Head of the Press Team of the State Administration Council, Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team, and Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar since 2021

Zaw Min Tun (Burmese: ဇော်မင်းထွန်း; pronounced: [zɔ̀ mɪ́ɰ̃ tʰʊ̀ɴ]; born Yenanchaung) is a Burmese army senior officer in the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and currently serves as a spokesperson for the military-led State Administration Council (SAC).[2][3] He is also the leader of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team, the main body responsible for handling public communication on behalf of the military.[4][5] Zaw Min Tun became widely recognized after the military coup in February 2021, where he took a prominent role in addressing the media and explaining the military's positions on political developments in Myanmar.[6][7][8]

His Excellency[1]
Major General

Zaw Min Tun
ဇော်မင်းထွန်း
Zaw Min Tun during a press conference on 2019
Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar
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
Assumed office
5 February 2021
LeaderMin Aung Hlaing
Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team
Assumed office
5 February 2021
Personal details
BornYenanchaung, Myanmar (Burma)
CitizenshipBurmese
Spouse(s)Thin Thin Aung
Alma materDefence Services Academy
Military service
Allegiance Tatmadaw
Branch/service Myanmar Army
Years of service1990–present
Rank Major General

Early life and education

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Zaw Min Tun was born in Yenanchaung, a township in the Magway Region of central Myanmar.[9][10] He attended the Defence Services Academy (DSA) and graduated as part of the 37th intake.[11][12] The academy is recognized for training military officers who go on to hold key roles in the Myanmar Armed Forces.[13][14][15]

Military career

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Zaw Min Tun has held various roles within the Tatmadaw.[16][17] Over time, he rose through the ranks and gained prominence due to his communication skills and ability to handle public relations.[18][19] As the head of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team, he ensures the military’s perspective is represented in local and international media.[20][21]

In his role as a spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun often addresses key issues, including military operations, policy decisions, and allegations of human rights violations.[22][23] He provides updates on the military's efforts in managing the country's affairs and countering armed resistance groups.[24][25]

Public perception

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While Zaw Min Tun's position as a spokesperson has made him a prominent figure, it has also attracted significant attention.[26][27] Some view him as a representative of the military's position, tasked with sharing official information.[28][29] Others have criticized his statements, accusing them of lacking transparency or being one-sided.[30][31] He asserts that his primary duty is to present accurate information and clarify the military's policies.[32][33]

Media engagements

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Since taking on the role of spokesperson for the SAC, Zaw Min Tun has become a key figure in communicating the military's positions to the public.[34][35] His media engagements often focus on justifying the military's actions, including the 2021 coup, while addressing political and economic issues.[36][37]

Zaw Min Tun has been a vocal defender of the military's stance in response to international concerns, including allegations of human rights violations.[38][39] He has stated that his objective is to ensure transparency and provide accurate updates about the country's developments.[40][41][42]

Role in the State Administration Council

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After the 2021 coup, Zaw Min Tun became the chief spokesperson for the State Administration Council (SAC), a governing body led by the military.[43][44] In this role, he communicates with the media about political, economic, and security developments in Myanmar.[45][46] He often provides the military's perspective on national and international issues and responds to global concerns about Myanmar's situation.[47][48] His statements focus on explaining the military's actions and policies to the public and the international community.[49][50][51]

Personal life

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Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung, and they have one child.[52][53] While the couple keeps their private life out of the public eye, they have been seen together at various official events, such as military parades and government functions.[54][55] These appearances show that they are closely involved in Myanmar’s political and military leadership.[56][57]

Their participation in such high-profile events reflects how personal and political lives are often connected among Myanmar's top officials, especially within the military.[58][59] This visibility in public activities is seen as an important part of supporting the legitimacy of the military leadership in Myanmar.[60][61][62]

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 English. 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 Major General 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. ↑ Ingyin Naing (19 February 2024). "Myanmar Army Enforces Conscription Law Amid Backlash, Exodus". VOA News.
  10. ↑ "Myanmar Military Asks Govt to Punish Minister for Police Remark". The Irrawaddy. 4 February 2020.
  11. ↑ "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.
  12. ↑ "Explainer: Crisis in Myanmar after army alleges election fraud". Reuters. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  13. ↑ "Myanmar army flexes muscles as Suu Kyi's government begins second term". WION. Reuters. 29 January 2021 – via WION.
  14. ↑ "Myanmar confirms that a key northeastern city near China has been seized by an armed ethnic alliance". The Economic Times.
  15. ↑ "Myanmar military court delays verdict in Suu Kyi corruption trial". The Times Of India. 25 April 2022.
  16. ↑ "Myanmar military meets rebel groups with China's help - army spokesperson". Reuters. 11 December 2023.
  17. ↑ "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.
  18. ↑ "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.
  19. ↑ "Analyzing Information Strategies Employed by the Myanmar Army known as 'the Tatmadaw'". The Irrawaddy. 14 June 2022.
  20. ↑ "Myanmar army denies detained Australian academic released". The Times Of India. 7 February 2022.
  21. ↑ "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.
  22. ↑ "Myanmar military and ethnic guerrilla groups agree ceasefire". BreakingNews.ie. 1 December 2024.
  23. ↑ "China FM to visit Myanmar this weekend: Myanmar army spokesman Zaw Min Tun". The Times Of India. 28 June 2022.
  24. ↑ "Cambodian leader asks Myanmar to reconsider foes' executions". The Times Of India. 11 June 2022.
  25. ↑ "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.
  26. ↑ "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.
  27. ↑ "Myanmar's army is facing battlefield challenges and grants amnesty to troops jailed for being AWOL". AP News. 8 December 2023.
  28. ↑ "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.
  29. ↑ "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)". OpenSanctions. 21 June 2021.
  30. ↑ "Myanmar military known as the Tatmadaw introduces compulsory military service". The Times of India. 12 February 2024.
  31. ↑ "Myanmar's military offers pardons to returning army deserters". Agencia EFE. 5 December 2023.
  32. ↑ "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.
  33. ↑ "Myanmar Situation Update: Leader of the SAC Information Team Zaw Min Tun makes clarifications". Myanmar International TV. 4 December 2023.
  34. ↑ "Media's Unfair Coverage Exhausts Military's Patience: Spokesperson". The Irrawaddy. 30 April 2019.
  35. ↑ "Myanmar armed group seizes China-Myanmar border crossing". The Times Of India. 26 November 2023.
  36. ↑ "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.
  37. ↑ "Myanmar military cooperating with 5 neighbours, vows to stamp out 'anarchy". The Straits Times. 23 March 2021.
  38. ↑ "'We Didn't Put Restrictions on Everything,' Says Myanmar Junta Spokesman in 1st Remarks Since Coup". Radio Free Asia.
  39. ↑ "Myanmar's army defends crackdown, vows to stop 'anarchy'". Thai PBS World. 23 March 2021.
  40. ↑ "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.
  41. ↑ [cnimyanmar.com "Major-General Zaw Min Tun says China and Myanmar are strategic partners"]. cnimyanmar.com. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
  42. ↑ "General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman and deputy information minister, speaks during a media tour of the sitting Maravijaya Buddha statue". AP News.
  43. ↑ "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.
  44. ↑ "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.
  45. ↑ "At the time junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun told the Popular News Journal that the priorities were the safety of regime personnel and their families and relations with China". The Irrawaddy. 23 January 2024.
  46. ↑ "Myanmar military, ethnic groups agree to instant cease-fire". The Nation Thailand. 14 January 2024.
  47. ↑ "Answer of Major General Zaw Min Tun, leader of SAC Information Team, to accusations of media". Global New Light Of Myanmar.
  48. ↑ "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.
  49. ↑ "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.
  50. ↑ "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.
  51. ↑ "Myanmar army warns may 'take action' over its election dispute". Reuters.
  52. ↑ "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.
  53. ↑ "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.
  54. ↑ "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.
  55. ↑ "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.
  56. ↑ "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". Observer Research Foundation. 26 January 2024.
  57. ↑ Khine Lin Kyaw, James Mayger (12 January 2024). "Myanmar's Army Says It Reached Cease-Fire Deal With Rebels". Bloomberg News.
  58. ↑ "Myanmar Military Spokesman Calls on China to Break Online Crime Gangs". The Irrawaddy. 2 November 2023.
  59. ↑ "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.
  60. ↑ "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.
  61. ↑ "Major General Zaw Min Tun says Tatmadaw does not use poison gas bomb to attack TNLA". Channel News Independent.
  62. ↑ "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.
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