Zaw Min Tun (general)
Major General Zaw Min Tun | |
|---|---|
ဇော်မင်းထွန်း | |
 Zaw Min Tun in 2019 | |
| Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar | |
| Assumed office 7 February 2021 | |
| President | Myint Swe (acting) |
| Prime Minister | Min Aung Hlaing |
| Deputy | Soe Win (general) |
| Preceded by | Aung Hla Tun |
| Head of the Press Team of the State Administration Council | |
| Assumed office 5 February 2021 | |
| Leader | Min Aung Hlaing |
| Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team | |
| Assumed office 5 February 2021 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Major General |
Zaw Min Tun (
Born in
expertise with political prominence.[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] 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).[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] His influence extends beyond military responsibilities, recognized as a key spokesperson for the Myanmar Army, known as the Tatmadaw.[40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47] Zaw Min Tun provides crucial insights during key moments, such as the Operation 1027 resistance offensive.[48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55] Zaw Min Tun's trajectory underscores a significant role in shaping and communicating Myanmar's political narrative.[56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63]
Early life and education
Zaw Min Tun was born in
Military career
Zaw Min Tun has been a crucial figure within the Tatmadaw,[87][88][89][90][91][92][93] emerging as a prominent spokesperson for the military amid significant political shifts in Myanmar.[94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101]
On February 5, 2021, he assumed the role of the
state-owned media, overseeing the broadcast and publication of official news.[116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123]
Zaw Min Tun served as the director of the military's Directorate of
northern Shan State and defending the military's actions through public statements.[132][133][134][135][136][137][138] His multifaceted role underscores his significance in shaping the narrative and communication strategies of the Tatmadaw during critical political junctures.[139][140][141][142][143][144][145]
Personal life
Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung.[146]
See also
References
- ^ "Union Ministers and Deputy Ministers". www.moi.gov.mm.
- The ASEAN Post. 9 April 2021.
- ^ Sebastian, Strangio (25 January 2023). "Myanmar Military Spokesperson Expresses Uncertainty Over Junta Polls". The Diplomat.
- The Times Of India. 28 December 2021.
- The Times Of India. 10 April 2021.
- The Times Of India. 28 February 2021.
- ^ "Myanmar Military says expects full government operations soon". Eleven Media Group. 9 April 2021.
- Al Jazeera News. 7 April 2024.
- ^ "Detained Myanmar president, state counsellor to be treated in line with law: military". Xinhua. 16 February 2021.
- ^ "Exclusive Interview with Major General Zaw Min Tun, Spokeperson of SAC ". NP News. 14 March 2022.
- ^ "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.
- The Times Of India. 21 February 2021.
- The Times Of India. 3 April 2021.
- The Times Of India. 7 December 2020.
- ^ "Myanmar Military Asks Govt to Punish Minister for Police Remark". The Irrawaddy. 4 February 2020.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Explainer: Crisis in Myanmar after army alleges election fraud". Reuters. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ^ "Myanmar army flexes muscles as Suu Kyi's government begins second term". Reuters. 29 January 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2024 – via WION.
- The Times Of India. 12 March 2021.
- ^ "Clarification of Major-General Zaw Min Tun, Information Team Leader of State Administration Council, on firing near Kyaiktiyo Uphill Transport Bus Terminal". Myanmar Digital News. 13 October 2022.
- ^ "No negotiation with terrorists – Tatmadaw". Burma News International. 14 November 2019.
- ^ "Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi is moved to house arrest due to extreme heat. A spokesperson for the Myanmar's 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. 17 April 2024.
- ^ "Myanmar confirms that a key northeastern city near China has been seized by an armed ethnic alliance". The Economic Times.
- The Times Of India. 4 July 2022.
- The Times Of India. 25 April 2022.
- The Times Of India. 1 February 2021.
- The Times Of India. 30 July 2021.
- ^ "The army battalion based in northern Shan State was being attacked by more than 100 bombs and actions are being taken to prevent drone attacks, said Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the State Administration Council (SAC)". The Nation. 17 November 2023.
- ^ Dipanjan Roy Chaudhary (29 June 2020). "Myanmar alleges 'one foreign country' arming insurgent groups on its territory". The Economic Times.
- ^ Sui-Lee Wee (17 April 2024). "Aung San Suu Kyi Moved to Unknown Location From Prison by Myanmar Military". The New York Times.
- ^ "Myanmar ethnic minority fighters seize town from military". The Economic Times. 16 December 2023.
- The Times Of India. 13 June 2021.
- The Times Of India. 7 February 2022.
- The Times Of India. 11 January 2022.
- The Times Of India. 17 February 2021.
- ^ "Myanmar military asks UEC not to hold the election in the Rakhine State". Rohingya Khobor. 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Tatmadaw starts negotiations with ULA / AA through intermediaries". Burma News International. 30 November 2020.
- ^ Thiha Lwin (27 April 2020). "Myanmar Military to Lend State-of-the-Art Machines for Public COVID-19 Testing". The Irrawaddy.
- TIME Magazine. 1 August 2023.
- ^ "Analyzing Information Strategies Employed by the Myanmar Army known as 'the Tatmadaw'". The Irrawaddy. 14 June 2022.
- The Times Of India. 27 August 2021.
- The Times Of India. 27 August 2021.
- The Times Of India. 29 March 2023.
- BreakingNews.ie. 1 December 2024.
- ^ "Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for Myanmar's army, also told state-run TV channel MRTV on Friday that fighting was continuing around Namhsan". The Hindu. 17 December 2023.
- ^ San Yamin Aung (28 May 2019). "Military Corruption is Being Handled Internally: Military Spokesperson". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ "Myanmar Military Denies Accepting ASEAN Ceasefire Proposal". The Irrawaddy. 7 September 2021.
- The Times Of India. 1 July 2022.
- The Times Of India. 25 July 2022.
- The Times Of India. 3 April 2021.
- The Times Of India. 11 March 2021.
- The Times Of India. 30 June 2021.
- ^ "Myanmar military spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun has accused media agencies of making negative reports about the political dialogue between Myanmar's military regime and the Brotherhood Alliance". Development Media Group. 13 December 2023.
- ^ "National Defense and Security Council meeting to be held on February 1". Burma News International. 21 January 2023.
- ^ Moe Myint (16 May 2019). "Military Denies Army Chief Used Twitter after Company Blocks Account". The Irrawaddy.
- The Times Of India. 11 June 2022.
- The Times Of India. 28 June 2022.
- The Times Of India. 12 July 2021.
- The Times Of India. 10 June 2021.
- The Times Of India. 16 February 2021.
- VOA News.
- ^ "Some EAOs expected to join second round of junta-sponsored peace talks: regime spokesman". Burma News International. 27 July 2022.
- ^ "Myanmar Army Denies it Has Intel Agents Working on Highway Project in Rakhine". Radio Free Asia. 3 April 2019.
- ^ "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.
- The Times Of India. 12 February 2024.
- The Times Of India. 21 December 2023.
- The Times Of India. 27 November 2023.
- ^ "At an October 2019 press conference, then military spokesperson [and current junta spokesperson] Major-General Zaw Min Tun admitted that it is hard to fight the AA. "I have never seen a cowardly and cunning group like the AA among the EAOs that have emerged since independence," he said". The Irrawaddy. 9 May 2022.
- ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson of Myanmar's ruling military council, told reporters the two sides had met in Kunming and after talks, agreed on a temporary ceasefire agreement. "We will continue discussions. We will continue to work for the strengthening of the ceasefire." Zaw Min Tun said". ABC News. 12 January 2024.
- ^ Htet Naing Zaw (19 June 2019). "Ma Ba Tha is a Necessity: Military". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ Khine Lin Kyaw (31 January 2024). "Myanmar Military Extends Emergency Rule for Another Six Months". Bloomberg.
- ^ "Shan Fighting Continues Despite China's Talks with Myanmar Military". The Irrawaddy. 12 December 2023.
- ^ "Myanmar's Military Steps Up Forced Conscription". The Irrawaddy. 15 February 2024.
- ^ "Democracy Activists on Death Row Deserve Execution: Myanmar Junta Press Chief". The Irrawaddy. 16 June 2022.
- ^ Htet Naing Zaw (28 July 2020). ""Western Command chief Maj-Gen Phone Myat was appointed deputy border affairs minister out of necessity. The deputy home affairs minister, Maj-Gen Aung Thu, was replaced for the same reason," said Myanmar's military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ Htet Naing Zaw (17 December 2019). "Myanmar Air Force Benefits From Experience Fighting Rebels, Says Spokesman". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ "Ministries and experts cooperate to create a new social media platform to replace Facebook: SAC". Eleven Media Group. 18 August 2022.
- ^ Htet Naing Zaw (24 June 2020). "Myanmar Military Says It Won't Control How Personnel Vote in Upcoming Election". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ "Opinion | Where Is Spokesman U Zaw Htay?". The Irrawaddy. 8 February 2021.
- The Times Of India. 27 February 2021.
- The Times Of India. 6 January 2024.
- The Times Of India.
- The Times Of India. 16 December 2023.
- Al Jazeera News. 2 November 2023.
- ^ "Myanmar military promises new election; Suu Kyi faces additional charge". The Asian Age. 18 June 2021.
- ^ "Myanmar army raises prospect of coup after voter-fraud claims". Kuwait Times. 26 January 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Myanmar Situation Update: Leader of the SAC Information Team Zaw Min Tun makes clarifications". MITV.
- The Times Of India. 26 November 2023.
- The Times Of India. 14 November 2021.
- ^ "Myanmar military cooperating with 5 neighbours, vows to stamp out 'anarchy". The Straits Times. 23 March 2021.
- ^ "Myanmar military confirms deadly air strike on Sagaing region". TVC News. 12 April 2023.
- ^ Nyein Nyein (18 January 2019). "AA Must Give Up Goal of Confederation: Myanmar Military". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ "'We Didn't Put Restrictions on Everything,' Says Myanmar Junta Spokesman in 1st Remarks Since Coup". Radio Free Asia.
- ^ "Myanmar's army defends crackdown, vows to stop 'anarchy'". Thai PBS World. 23 March 2021.
- ^ "Exclusive Interview with Major General Zaw Min Tun, Spokeperson of SAC ". NP News. 14 March 2022.
- The Times Of India. 25 November 2023.
- The Times Of India. 10 April 2021.
- ^ "The military is also besieged in cyber space. Regime spokesperson Major-General Zaw Min Tun is increasingly being trotted out to downplay military losses, often while lashing out at outlets seen as pro-resistance, like Khit Thit Media, or linked to Western governments, like Voice of America or Radio Free Asia. "They cannot afford to remain silent," political analyst and former military officer Dr Aung Myo said of this approach. "The absence of official statements tends to fuel rumours and heighten public concerns. Consequently, the junta sees the media sector as crucial, both for motivation and the dissemination of accurate information."". Frontier Myanmar. 19 January 2024.
- ^ "Media's Unfair Coverage Exhausts Military's Patience: Spokesperson". The Irrawaddy. 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Myanmar Says 'Terrorist' Arakan Army Is Losing Chance to Join Peace Process". Radio Free Asia. 26 March 2020.
- ^ "Major-General Zaw Min Tun says China and Myanmar are strategic partners". cnimyanmar.com.
- AP News.
- ^ "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.
- The Times Of India. 27 October 2023.
- The Times Of India. 12 April 2023.
- ^ "Excerpts from the Explanation of Major General Zaw Min Tun at the 9/2021 Press Conference Held by Information Team of SAC". Information Sheet Myanmar. 6 October 2021.
- ^ "Blacklisted Arms Expert Continues to Work for Myanmar Military". The Irrawaddy. 28 May 2019.
- ^ "Myanmar Rejects US Allegations it Has Chemical Weapons". Radio Free Asia. 26 November 2019.
- ^ "Answer of Major General Zaw Min Tun, leader of SAC Information Team, to accusations of media". Global New Light Of Myanmar.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- The Times Of India. 20 November 2023.
- ^ "At the time Myanmar military 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.
- ^ "Myanmar army spokesperson Major-General Zaw Min Tun said in an interview with BBC Burmese that about 50,000 people of fighting age would be recruited each year, starting after the traditional Myanmar New Year on April 17". Atlas Of Wars. 22 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Myanmar army warns may 'take action' over its election dispute". Reuters.
- ^ "Myanmar's military frees thousands of detainees in amnesty". Nepal News. 19 October 2021.
- The Times Of India. 3 July 2022.
- ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun clarifies terrorist acts by MNDAA, TNLA, AA regarding religion". Ministry of Information (Myanmar). 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Myanmar Junta threatens prison, execution for supporting Myanmar opposition". Radio Free Asia. 21 September 2022.
- ^ Saw Thonya (7 September 2020). "Military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun denies that soldiers are under pressure to vote for pro-army candidates". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ Sai Wansai (15 June 2020). "FACEBOOK DISCRIMINATION?: Tatmadaw resurfaced after two years of absence from social media". Burma News International.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "The State Administration Council (SAC) spokesman, Major General Zaw Min Tun, said that the national military service system is necessary for the current situation in Myanmar. He made this statement after the SAC issued an order on February 10, 2024, that the Military Service Law would come into effect on the same day. He said that the national military service system would include all citizens and implement a militia strategy. He claimed that this was a common practice in international affairs when there was a need for war mobilization. He said that this was a matter of national defense and security". Eleven Media Group. 12 February 2024.
- ^ "Whether the AA has been declared as a terrorist group or not is depended on its actions: SAC's spokesperson". Eleven Media Group. 22 September 2022.
- ^ "Myanmar's military government says China brokered peace talks to de-escalate fighting in northeast". The Asahi Shimbun. 12 December 2023.
- ^ Lawi Weng (13 November 2019). "Myanmar Military Clashes With TNLA in Northern Shan, Shutting Down Highway". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ "Myanmar Army Kills Six Detained Rakhine Villagers And Offers 'Impossible' Explanation". Radio Free Asia. 2 May 2019.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Ethnic armies' 'Operation 1027' put Myanmar's army on defensive in 2023". Radio Free Asia. 30 December 2023.
- ^ "Myanmar: Three Brotherhood Alliance Declares Anti-Regime 'Operation 1027,' Outlines Aims Of Campaign". Eurasia Review News & Analysis. 9 November 2023.
- The Times Of India. 4 October 2021.
- Al Jazeera News. 14 July 2023.
- ^ Htet Naing Zaw (12 December 2019). "US Sanctions on Military Are Targeted Political Pressure: Spokesman". The Irrawaddy.
- VOA News. 28 October 2023.
- ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun says Tatmadaw does not use poison gas bomb to attack TNLA". Channel News Independent.
- Myanmar NOW. 23 November 2023.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Myanmar Army Spokesperson Zaw Min Tun addresses Shan Ethnic Relations". The Irrawaddy. 22 November 2023.
- ^ Grant Peck (24 February 2024). "Of Myanmar's 56 million people, about 14 million - 6.3 million men and 7.7 million women - are eligible for military service, according to Major General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the military government. The government will draft 60,000 people a year, with an initial batch of 5,000 to be called up soon after the traditional Thingyan New Year celebration in mid-April, he said". The Washington Times.
- ^ "Myanmar Army Dismisses Soldiers' Rohingya Atrocity Confessions as Coerced". Radio Free Asia. 9 September 2020.
- ^ "ဥပ္ပါတသန္တိစေတီတော်၌ ဗုဒ္ဓမြတ်စွယ်တော်ပူးလာ ရဟန်းရှင်လူပြည်သူများဖြင့်စည်ကားလျက်ရှိ" (PDF). မြန်မာ့အလင်း (in Burmese). 18 November 2011. p. 9.
External links
Myanmar Ministry of Defence Official Website