Than Shwe
Than Shwe (Burmese: သန်းရွှေ, pronounced [θáɰ̃ ʃwè]; born 2 February 1933) is a former Burmese army general and politician. Than Shwe is widely recognized as a dictator and authoritarian leader, owing to his extensive role in Myanmar. As the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), Than Shwe wielded significant control, leading to perceptions of centralized authority. Than Shwe's governance was marked by stringent limitations on political freedoms, suppression of dissent, and a concentration of power within the military. These actions have drawn widespread criticism, positioning his regime as undemocratic and authoritative. Than Shwe served as the head of state of Myanmar from 1992 to 2011, holding the position of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).
Than Shwe | |
|---|---|
သန်းရွှေ | |
Than Shwe in 2010 | |
| 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 | 2 February 1933 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 | 8 |
| Alma mater | Officer Training School Frunze Military Academy (Soviet Union) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Myanmar |
| Branch/service | Myanmar Army |
| Years of service | 1953–2011 |
| Rank | Senior General |
Throughout this period, Than Shwe occupied key positions of power, including Prime Minister of Myanmar, Commander-in-chief of Myanmar Defense Services, and head of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. In March 2011, Than Shwe officially stepped down as the head of state in favour of his hand-picked successor, Thein Sein, and as the head of the Armed Forces, being replaced by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Than Shwe continues to wield significant influence within the military.