• Source: Zaw Min Tun (general)

Zaw Min Tun (Burmese: ဇော်မင်းထွန်း; pronounced [zɔ̀ mɪ́ɰ̃ tʰʊ̀ɴ]) is a Burmese army general and the current Deputy Minister of Information in Myanmar. He holds key leadership roles within the military and government, most notably serving as the chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team and heading the press team of the State Administration Council (SAC), which governs Myanmar following the military coup in February 2021. Zaw Min Tun has been recognized as a senior spokesperson for the Myanmar Army, particularly following the military coup, which led to widespread political unrest and public 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. His leadership positions within the military and government make him a crucial figure in Myanmar's current political landscape.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 the military junta’s hold on power.
Born in Yenanchaung, Myanmar, and currently holding the rank of major general in the Myanmar Army, Zaw Min Tun’s rise within the military and political spheres is marked by a combination of military expertise and political strategy. He graduated from the 37th intake of the Defense Services Academy (DSA), a premier institution for training military officers, where he honed skills in military strategy, leadership, and public communication. His educational background laid the groundwork for his future roles as a key spokesperson for the Myanmar military and a figurehead within the State Administration Council, a military-dominated body that replaced the civilian government following the 2021 coup. 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 the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) 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. With a background in military public relations, Zaw Min Tun has been instrumental in presenting the Tatmadaw's perspective, often responding to allegations of human rights abuses and critiquing opposition movements. His efforts are aimed at reinforcing the military's position and justifying its actions in the eyes of the public, as well as attempting to maintain a semblance of legitimacy amidst ongoing scrutiny from various sectors. Through press conferences and official statements, Zaw Min Tun articulates the military's stance on key issues, including national security and governance, making him a prominent voice for the military junta. His influence extends beyond mere communication, as he is often seen accompanying high-ranking military officials, which underscores his importance within the military hierarchy. As the situation in Myanmar continues to evolve, Zaw Min Tun remains a pivotal figure in the military's ongoing efforts to control the narrative and respond to the challenges posed by dissent and international criticism.




Early life and education


Zaw Min Tun was born in Yenanchaung, a town in central Myanmar, known for its historical significance in the country’s administrative landscape. 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 the Defense 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 the Tatmadaw and a key figure in the political communication strategies employed by Myanmar’s military junta.
Beyond his education, Zaw Min Tun’s personal connections within Myanmar’s military and political circles also contributed to his rise. He maintained a notable relationship with Zaw Htay, the former spokesperson for the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, a symbol of the democratic opposition to the military, which was led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Their shared origins in central Myanmar serve as a reminder of the deep political divides that have shaped the country’s recent history. 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 in Myanmar, 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 the 2021 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.




Military career


Zaw Min Tun's military career spans several key moments in Myanmar’s modern history, marking him as a significant figure within the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military force. His trajectory reflects a deepening involvement in both military operations and, crucially, in the management of military communication, particularly during periods of intense political crisis.
On 5 February 2021, he was appointed as the press team leader for the State Administration Council (SAC) and as chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team. Shortly thereafter, on February 7, 2021, he became the Deputy Minister of Information. As Myanmar’s political situation rapidly deteriorated, Zaw Min Tun was appointed to two influential roles. These appointments came just days after the February coup, which ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country into turmoil. Despite holding the title of deputy minister, Zaw Min Tun often exercises considerable influence, sometimes surpassing that of the actual minister, former Major General Maung Maung Ohn. 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 with Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing further highlights his significant role within the military establishment.
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 by Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defence Force (PDF) troops, was a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict and the personal stakes involved in Myanmar’s military confrontations.
As part of his duties, Zaw Min Tun spearheaded a series of press conferences aimed at legitimizing the actions of the SAC 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. In his position as Government Deputy Minister of Information, he bears direct responsibility for state-owned media, managing the transmission of official news and shaping public perception through these channels.
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 the SAC, he held significant positions within the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological 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 the 2021 Operation 1027 offensive in northern Shan State underscored his capacity to handle sensitive military operations and communicate them to the public in ways that supported the military’s objectives.
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. 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.




Personal life


Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung, and 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. 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.




See also


State Administration Council
List of cabinet members of State Administration Council
Myanmar Army
Tatmadaw
Defence Services Academy




References






External links



Ministry of Information - Myanmar Government
CNN Interview with Major General Zaw Min Tun
Myanmar Ministry of Defence Official Website

Exclusive Interview with Major General Zaw Min Tun, Spokesperson of SAC

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