Zaw Min Tun | |
|---|---|
ဇော်မင်းထွန်း | |
.jpg) Zaw Min Tun at a Tatmadaw press conference in 2019 | |
| DeputyMinister of Information of Myanmar | |
| Assumed office 7 February 2021 | |
| President | Myint Swe (acting) Min Aung Hlaing (acting) |
| Prime Minister | Min Aung Hlaing |
| Deputy | Soe Win (general) |
| Preceded by | Aung Hla Tun |
| Head of the Press Team of theState Administration Council | |
| Assumed office 5 February 2021 | |
| Leader | Min Aung Hlaing |
| Chief of theTatmadaw True News Information Team | |
| Assumed office 5 February 2021 | |
| Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare of the Myanmar Army | |
| Assumed office February 2021 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Yenanchaung,Myanmar (Burma) |
| Citizenship | Burmese |
| Spouse | Thin Thin Aung |
| Alma mater | Defence Services Academy |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Tatmadaw |
| Branch/service |  Myanmar Army |
| Years of service | 1990–present |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars |
|
Zaw Min Tun (Burmese:ဇော်မင်းထွန်း;pronounced[zɔ̀mɪ́ɰ̃tʰʊ̀ɴ]) is a Burmese army general and the currentDeputy Minister of Information inMyanmar.[2][3][4][5] He holds key leadership roles within the military and government, most notably serving as the chief of theTatmadaw True News Information Team and heading the press team of theState Administration Council (SAC), which governs Myanmar following the military coup in February 2021.[6][7][8][9][10] Zaw Min Tun has been recognized as a senior spokesperson for theMyanmar Army, particularly following themilitary coup, which led to widespreadpolitical unrest andpublic protests. His role has been significant in the communication strategies employed by the military during this period, ensuring the conveyance of the regime's narratives to both domestic and international audiences. He oversees the distribution of information through various state-controlled media outlets, which play a critical role in shaping public perception of the military's actions and policies.[11][12] His leadership positions within the military and government make him a crucial figure in Myanmar's current political landscape.[13] His influence as a spokesperson extends not only to the management of state-run media outlets but also to the strategic direction of the military's public relations efforts, both domestically and internationally. He is tasked with defending and justifying the actions of the military regime, countering the narratives of dissent, and addressing criticisms of human rights abuses and military repression. In his various capacities, Zaw Min Tun works to reinforce the military's stance on governance, national security, and opposition to pro-democracy movements. His efforts to control public perception through carefully crafted media campaigns have become integral to themilitary junta’s hold on power.[14]
Born inYenangyaung,Myanmar, and currently holding the rank ofmajor general in theMyanmar Army, Zaw Min Tun's rise within the military and political spheres is marked by a combination of military expertise and political strategy.[15][16][17][18] He graduated from the 37th intake of theDefense Services Academy (DSA), a premier institution for training military officers, where he honed skills in military strategy, leadership, and public communication.[19][20][21][22] His educational background laid the groundwork for his future roles as a key spokesperson for theMyanmar military and a figurehead within theState Administration Council, a military-dominated body that replaced the civilian government following the2021 coup.[23][24][25][26] Zaw Min Tun's military career, spanning several decades, reflects his growing influence in both the operational and communicative arms of the military. His early exposure to the media and public relations sector of theTatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) provided him with the tools to navigate the complex terrain of military governance and state-controlled media, which would become crucial during the coup and its aftermath. His leadership in both military operations and the dissemination of information has allowed him to position himself as an influential figure in shaping Myanmar's political narrative, especially in a context where the military's control of information is central to its survival amidst both domestic and international pressure.[27][28][29][30]
Zaw Min Tun was born inYenangyaung, a town in centralMyanmar, known for its historical significance in the country's administrative landscape.[31][32][33] Growing up in a region that has produced several key military figures, Zaw Min Tun's early life was shaped by the broader political environment of Myanmar, which was undergoing significant transitions during his formative years. As a young man, Zaw Min Tun joined theDefence Services Academy (DSA), Myanmar's premier military institution, where he received rigorous training in military tactics, leadership, and communication strategies. The DSA, which produces many of Myanmar's top military officials, played an instrumental role in Zaw Min Tun's early development, preparing him for the unique demands of both military operations and the intricacies of public relations in a politically sensitive environment. His time at the academy exposed him to the technical and strategic elements of military leadership, but it also emphasized the role of military figures in shaping public perception, especially in regimes where the military holds significant political power. Zaw Min Tun's early exposure to these elements foreshadowed his future career as a spokesperson for theTatmadaw and a key figure in the political communication strategies employed by Myanmar's military junta.[34][35][36][37]
Beyond his education, Zaw Min Tun's personal connections within Myanmar's military and political circles also contributed to his rise.[38][39][40][41] He maintained a notable relationship withZaw Htay, the former spokesperson for theNational League for Democracy (NLD) party, a symbol of the democratic opposition to the military, which was led byState CounsellorAung San Suu Kyi.[42][43][44] Their shared origins in central Myanmar serve as a reminder of the deep political divides that have shaped the country's recent history.[45][46][47][48] Zaw Htay's advocacy for democracy contrasts with Zaw Min Tun's alignment with the military establishment, highlighting the broader political fault lines that have influenced Myanmar's governance since the coup.
Throughout his career, Zaw Min Tun's increasing responsibilities within the military enabled him to engage in high-level discussions regarding national security and public messaging. He developed a keen understanding of the media landscape inMyanmar, recognizing the importance of shaping narratives in a politically charged environment. This insight would later prove invaluable as he took on leadership roles in military communication, particularly during critical moments in the nation's history, such as the2021 military coup. Zaw Min Tun's educational background and military training provided a strong foundation for his rise to key positions within the government and military. Over time, he became a prominent figure in shaping and communicating the military's perspective, influencing Myanmar's political discourse during periods of instability.
Zaw Min Tun rose through the ranks ofMyanmar's military, eventually becoming a key figure in theTatmadaw. Following themilitary coup in February 2021, he was appointed as the spokesperson for theState Administration Council (SAC), the governing body established by the military. In this role, he managed communications and presented the junta's perspective on the coup and subsequent events.
As the spokesperson for theSAC, Zaw Min Tun frequently addressed the media to explain and justify the military's actions, including the detention of civilian leaders and the handling ofnationwide protests. His statements reflected the SAC's position on issues such as alleged election fraud and national stability.
Zaw Min Tun's briefings attracted significant international attention, with organizations like theUnited Nations and theEuropean Union strongly opposing themilitary coup and its aftermath. While his statements sought to justify the junta's actions, they were met with criticism from several international governments and institutions.
Zaw Min Tun faced scrutiny from human rights organizations and independent media. His defense of the military's handling of protests and governance was challenged, with groups such asAmnesty International raising concerns about the portrayal of events in official statements. Despite these challenges, he remained a central figure in the SAC's communication strategy.
Zaw Min Tun's military career spans several key moments inMyanmar’s modern history, marking him as a significant figure within theTatmadaw, Myanmar's military force.[49][50][51][52] His trajectory reflects a deepening involvement in both military operations and, crucially, in the management of military communication, particularly during periods of intensepolitical crisis.
On 5 February 2021, he was appointed as the press team leader for theState Administration Council (SAC) and as chief of theTatmadaw True News Information Team. Shortly thereafter, on February 7, 2021, he became theDeputy Minister of Information. As Myanmar's political situation rapidly deteriorated, Zaw Min Tun was appointed to two influential roles.[53][54][55][56] These appointments came just days after the2021 February coup, which ousted the democratically elected government ofAung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country into turmoil. Despite holding the title ofdeputy minister, Zaw Min Tun often exercises considerable influence, sometimes surpassing that of the actual minister, former Major GeneralMaung Maung Ohn.[57][58][59] His role in overseeing the military's communications strategy has been central to the junta's efforts to manage both domestic and international narratives surrounding the coup and its aftermath. His close association withCommander-in-Chief of Defence ServicesSenior GeneralMin Aung Hlaing further highlights his significant role within the military establishment.[60][61][62][63]
One of the most significant events in Zaw Min Tun's recent career was the death of his nephew, Lieutenant Colonel Thet Paing Tun, a commander of the Khmer 119 Battalion. His death, following the military's defeat in the Battle of Sain Taung and his subsequent capture byKachin Independence Army (KIA) andPeople's Defence Force (PDF) troops, was a poignant reminder of theongoing conflict and the personal stakes involved in Myanmar's military confrontations.[64][65]
As part of his duties, Zaw Min Tun spearheaded a series of press conferences aimed at legitimizing the actions of theSAC and defending the military's role in what it claims was a necessary intervention to preserve national security. Through these media engagements, Zaw Min Tun sought to justify the military's actions, dismiss accusations of human rights abuses, and respond to the growing international condemnation of the coup. His ability to frame the military's actions in a favorable light has made him one of the most visible and influential spokespersons for the regime.[66][67][68][69] In his position as GovernmentDeputy Minister of Information, he bears direct responsibility for state-owned media, managing the transmission of official news and shaping public perception through these channels.[70][71][72][73]
In addition to his role in communication, Zaw Min Tun's career has also been marked by high-level military engagements. Before his appointment to theSAC, he held significant positions within the Directorate ofPublic Relations andPsychological Warfare, where he was tasked with managing the military's public image and addressing the growing discontent from the Burmese population. Notably, Zaw Min Tun's role in managing the response to theOperation 1027 offensive that took place on 27 October 2023, which is still ongoing, carried out by theThree Brotherhood Alliance includingArakan Army,Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, andTa'ang National Liberation Army, in northernShan State, underscored his capacity to handle sensitive military operations and communicate them to the public in ways that supported the military's objectives.[74][75][76][77][78][79][80]
Zaw Min Tun's leadership and communication efforts have extended beyond national borders. His responses to international criticism, especially regarding the military's role in the coup and subsequent violence, have been a key element of his public persona.[81][82][83][84] In international forums, he has frequently represented the military's interests, attempting to deflect criticisms of Myanmar's human rights record and promote the junta's view of governance.[85][86][87][88][89]
On 14 February 2025, Zaw Min Tun responded to an arrest warrant issued by anArgentine court against Myanmar's military leaders for alleged crimes against the Rohingya. He dismissed the ruling, calling it "baseless" and accusing Argentina's judiciary of political interference. His remarks were part of a broader rejection by the military government of international legal actions against its leadership.[90][91]
On 13 March 2025, Zaw Min Tun addressed concerns regarding Myanmar’s border with India, responding to statements by Indian politicians and media reports aboutManipur and theKabaw Valley. He reaffirmed Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the country's diplomatic ties with India and referencing the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding on Border Cooperation. He stated that most of theMyanmar-India border, including the Kabaw Valley, had been demarcated. Additionally, he urged Indian politicians to avoid rhetoric that could strain bilateral relations.[92]
On 27 March 2025, Zaw Min Tun announced that Senior GeneralMin Aung Hlaing would travel toBangkok for a summit with leaders fromBIMSTEC member states, including Myanmar and Thailand. Speaking to reporters in Naypyidaw, he said the visit presented opportunities for Myanmar’s economic development and regional peace. He also stated that preparations were underway for a general election in December 2025 despite ongoing conflict. AddressingAung San Suu Kyi’s condition, he confirmed that she remained in "good health" while serving her prison sentence.[93]
The announcement signaled a rare diplomatic engagement for Myanmar’s leadership, which has faced regional isolation since the 2021 military takeover. Zaw Min Tun said the Bangkok meeting would allow Myanmar to engage in discussions on economic cooperation and regional stability.[94]
On 28 March 2025, Zaw Min Tun, in his capacity asDirector of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare, met withPavel Nikolaevich Gusev, Chairman of the Public Council under the Russian Defence Ministry, at the Defence Services Museum in Naypyidaw. The meeting, attended by senior officials from the Myanmar military and the Ministry of Information, focused on expanding military cooperation between Myanmar and Russia.[95]
Discussions covered the role of public relations in military affairs, youth exchange programs, and the prospect of the Russian Public Council observing Myanmar’s upcoming general elections. Both parties emphasized the importance of strategic communication and defense diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts and a tour of the Defence Services Museum, where Myanmar officials provided an overview of military history and operations.[96]
Zaw Min Tun began his military career after completing officer training at theDefence Services Academy.[97][98] His early assignments included roles in various military units where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his strategic acumen and loyalty to theTatmadaw leadership.[99][100] His experience in military operations, both domestically and in border regions, positioned him for higher roles in the junta.[101][102]
As thecoup unfolded in February 2021, Zaw Min Tun played a critical role in its execution. Serving as one of the senior officers in theTatmadaw, he helped coordinate the military's actions and strategy. His leadership in the coup was pivotal, and he was appointed as the spokesperson for the newly-formedState Administration Council (SAC), the military junta that assumed control.[103][104]
Following thecoup, Zaw Min Tun took on the role of the junta's spokesperson. In this capacity, he frequently addressed the media, defending the military's actions and justifying the takeover. His statements often contradicted international reports and were part of the junta's efforts to present the coup as a legitimate response to alleged election fraud.[105][106]
Zaw Min Tun has been involved in various military operations, particularly after the 2021 coup in Myanmar. As a senior officer, his responsibilities included overseeing military actions aimed at pro-democracy protesters and ethnic armed groups. These operations, which have been extensively covered by international media, were part of the military’s response to political unrest and security concerns in the country. The military's actions were framed within the broader context of the coup and the subsequent instability, which led to widespread demonstrations and resistance across Myanmar.
International sources have reported on the actions taken during these operations, including the use of force and detentions, particularly during protests. The operations were conducted in response to ongoing protests and clashes with armed groups, both of which significantly impacted the country’s political and security landscape. The situation remains an ongoing point of international attention, with various organizations and governments monitoring the developments closely.[107][108][109]
On 14 February 2025, Zaw Min Tun responded to an arrest warrant issued by anArgentine court against Myanmar's military leaders for alleged crimes against the Rohingya. He dismissed the ruling, calling it "baseless" and accusing Argentina's judiciary of political interference. His remarks were part of a broader rejection by the military government of international legal actions against its leadership.[110][111]
On 10 March 2025, Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team for theState Administration Council (SAC), responded to media inquiries regarding the official state visits of Senior GeneralMin Aung Hlaing, Myanmar'sPrime Minister andChairman of the SAC toRussia andBelarus from 3 to 9 March 2025. Zaw Min Tun emphasized the key outcomes of these visits, particularly focusing on the benefits to Myanmar across three major sectors: politics, economy, and social affairs.[112]
In the political realm, Zaw Min Tun highlighted the strengthened international relations, particularly with Russia and Belarus, both of which have long supportedMyanmar on the global stage. He reiterated that both countries had assured Myanmar of continued support in the future. Regarding the upcoming elections in Myanmar, Zaw Min Tun confirmed that the earliest date for elections would be the last week of December, with the latest being the second week of January. He further noted that both Russia and Belarus had expressed their strong support for the election process, with Belarus and Russia offering to send election observers.[113]
On the economic front, Zaw Min Tun underscored the potential for Myanmar to benefit from advanced technologies in agriculture, citingBelarus as a successful example of an agricultural-based economy. He emphasized Myanmar's abundant resources, such as water, land, and favorable weather conditions, which could help the country achieve similar agricultural successes. He also highlighted agreements related to improving Myanmar's agricultural system and securing fertilizer supplies for farmers. Additionally, he spoke about the importance of Myanmar's deep-sea ports, includingKyaukphyu,Thilawa, andDawei, noting that efforts to develop the Dawei port had been revitalized through a new memorandum of understanding with Russia.[114]
In the social sector, Zaw Min Tun emphasized the importance of improving Myanmar's education and healthcare systems, citing the advances made by countries likeRussia andBelarus as examples.[115]
Zaw Min Tun concluded by reaffirming that these diplomatic engagements would help Myanmar progress towards a multiparty democratic system, ensure national development, and create a positive outlook for the country's future.[116]
On 5 March 2025, Zaw Min Tun provided further details on Myanmar’s economic cooperation withRussia following the Myanmar-Russia Economic Forum inMoscow. Speaking to reporters, he confirmed that Myanmar would construct a 110-megawatt nuclear power plant using Russian technology and would also collaborate with Russia on theDawei Deep-Sea Port project.[117]
Zaw Min Tun described the nuclear project as a major step toward energy security, stating thatMyanmar had signed agreements with Russia on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and nuclear safety regulations. He noted that the initiative was part of broader cooperation between the two countries and was expected to enhance Myanmar’s energy sector.[118]
Regarding the Dawei Deep-Sea Port, Zaw Min Tun emphasized its significance as a strategic economic hub inSoutheast Asia. He explained that the port’s location near theMalacca Strait positioned it as a key trade link between theSouth China Sea and theIndian Ocean. He further noted that Russia already had port connections inVietnam, and integrating these with Dawei would strengthen economic ties between Myanmar and Russia.[119]
Zaw Min Tun also highlighted discussions between Senior GeneralMin Aung Hlaing and Russian PresidentVladimir Putin, which led to the signing of 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), including those related to energy and infrastructure development. He reiterated that these agreements reinforcedMyanmar-Russia cooperation and would contribute to Myanmar’s long-term economic growth.[120]
On 28 March 2025, after a 7.7-magnitudeearthquake struckMyanmar, Zaw Min Tun, speaking as the military's spokesperson, made a rare public appeal for international humanitarian assistance. He stated, “We need and want the international community to provide humanitarian aid,” emphasizing the military-led government's willingness to cooperate with relief efforts. His appeal marked a shift from Myanmar's long-standing democratic isolation, which intensified following the2021 coup.[121]
Despite humanitarian carve-outs in Western sanctions, concerns emerged over logistical and security challenges in delivering aid. Analysts pointed to difficulties in accessing conflict-affected areas and warned that the military could restrict or manipulate aid distribution. Observers drew comparisons to previous crises in politically restrictive regimes, where relief efforts faced bureaucratic and logistical obstacles.[122]
The following day, on 29 March 2025, Zaw Min Tun, in his capacity as leader of theSAC Information Team, outlined the government’s response. He confirmed that the National Disaster Management Committee had declared a state of emergency across Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, northeastern Shan State, Bago, and the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area. He urged the public to rely on official government announcements and warned of potential aftershocks. Additionally, he made an urgent appeal for blood donations in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and Sagaing, citing the high number of injured patients requiring medical assistance.[123]
Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung, and has one child Thar Htet Htun. Although details about their private life are kept relatively low-profile, their public appearances together at military events and government functions reveal a couple deeply integrated into Myanmar's political and military spheres.[124] Their public participation in high-profile events, including military parades and state ceremonies, underscores their role in the nation's leadership structure.
While the couple maintains a private personal life, their visibility in official events highlights the intertwining of personal and political lives among Myanmar's elite military officials. This blend of professional and personal presence in public events plays a significant role in reinforcing the legitimacy of the military leadership and its ongoing control over the country's political landscape.
