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Zaw Min Tun (general)

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Zaw Min Tun
ဇော်မင်းထွန်း
Zaw Min Tun on a Tatmadaw's press conference in 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
SpouseThin Thin Aung
Alma materDefence Services Academy
Military service
Allegiance Tatmadaw
Branch/service Myanmar Army
Years of service1990–present
Rank Major General

Zaw Min Tun (Burmese: ဇော်မင်းထွန်း; pronounced [zɔ̀ mɪ́ɰ̃ tʰʊ̀ɴ]) is a Burmese army general and the current Deputy Minister of Information in Myanmar.[2][3][4][5] 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.[6][7][8][9][10] 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.[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 the military junta’s hold on power.[14]

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.[15][16][17][18] 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.[19][20][21][22] 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.[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 the Tatmadaw (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] 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

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Zaw Min Tun was born in Yenanchaung, a town in central Myanmar, 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 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.[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 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 State Counsellor Aung 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 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.

Background and appointment

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Zaw Min Tun (at the far right), during a Tatmadaw True News Information Team meeting on 23 February 2019

Zaw Min Tun rose through the ranks of Myanmar's military, eventually becoming a key figure in the Tatmadaw. Following the military coup in February 2021, he was appointed as the spokesperson for the State 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.

Role as spokesperson for the Myanmar military

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As the spokesperson for the SAC, Zaw Min Tun frequently addressed the media to explain and justify the military’s actions, including the detention of civilian leaders and the handling of nationwide protests. His statements reflected the SAC's position on issues such as alleged election fraud and national stability.

International Response

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Zaw Min Tun’s briefings attracted significant international attention, with organizations like the United Nations and the European Union strongly opposing the military 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.

Public Criticism and Challenges

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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 as Amnesty 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.

Military career

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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.[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 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.[53][54][55][56] These appointments came just days after the 2021 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.[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 with Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min 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 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.[64][65]

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.[66][67][68][69] 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.[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 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 Operation 1027 offensive that took place on 27 October 2023, which is still ongoing, carried out by the Three Brotherhood Alliance including Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Ta'ang National Liberation Army , 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.[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]

Early career and rise through the ranks

[edit]
Zaw Min Tun (at the far right), during a Tatmadaw True News Information Team press conference on 18 January 2019

Zaw Min Tun began his military career after completing officer training at the Defence Services Academy.[90][91] His early assignments included roles in various military units where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his strategic acumen and loyalty to the Tatmadaw leadership.[92][93] His experience in military operations, both domestically and in border regions, positioned him for higher roles in the junta.[94][95]

Role in the 2021 Myanmar coup

[edit]
Zaw Min Tun during a interview with Voice of America on 27 March 2023

As the coup unfolded on February 2021, Zaw Min Tun played a critical role in its execution. Serving as one of the senior officers in the Tatmadaw, 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-formed State Administration Council (SAC), the military junta that assumed control.[96][97]

Spokesperson for the State Administration Council (SAC)

[edit]

Following the coup, 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.[98][99]

Military operations and controversies

[edit]

Zaw Min Tun's career has been marked by his involvement in several controversial military operations, particularly following the coup. His role in directing military actions against pro-democracy protesters and ethnic armed groups drew significant international criticism. Reports from human rights organizations have condemned the military’s brutal tactics, which included arbitrary detentions and the violent suppression of dissent.[100][101][102]

Personal life

[edit]

Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung, and has one child. 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.[103] 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

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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 News. 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 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.
  9. ^ "Myanmar protesters gather again after worst day of violence". The Times Of India. 21 February 2021.
  10. ^ Ingyin Naing (19 February 2024). "Myanmar Army Enforces Conscription Law Amid Backlash, Exodus". VOA News.
  11. ^ "Myanmar Military Asks Govt to Punish Minister for Police Remark". The Irrawaddy. 4 February 2020.
  12. ^ "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.
  13. ^ "Explainer: Crisis in Myanmar after army alleges election fraud". Reuters. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  14. ^ "Myanmar army flexes muscles as Suu Kyi's government begins second term". Reuters. 29 January 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2024 – via WION.
  15. ^ "Myanmar confirms that a key northeastern city near China has been seized by an armed ethnic alliance". The Economic Times.
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  18. ^ "Myanmar military meets rebel groups with China's help - army spokesperson". Reuters. 11 December 2023.
  19. ^ "Myanmar ethnic minority fighters seize town from military". The Economic Times. 16 December 2023.
  20. ^ "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.
  21. ^ "Myanmar army denies detained Australian academic released". The Times Of India. 7 February 2022.
  22. ^ "Myanmar military says facing 'heavy assault' from insurgents". The Japan Times. 16 November 2023.
  23. ^ "Analyzing Information Strategies Employed by the Myanmar Army known as 'the Tatmadaw'". The Irrawaddy. 14 June 2022.
  24. ^ "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.
  25. ^ "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.
  26. ^ "Myanmar military and ethnic guerrilla groups agree ceasefire". BreakingNews.ie. 1 December 2024.
  27. ^ "Cambodian leader asks Myanmar to reconsider foes' executions". The Times Of India. 11 June 2022.
  28. ^ "China FM to visit Myanmar this weekend: Myanmar army spokesman Zaw Min Tun". The Times Of India. 28 June 2022.
  29. ^ "Rohingya wary as Myanmar's anti-junta resistance reaches out". The Times Of India. 12 July 2021.
  30. ^ "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.
  31. ^ "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.
  32. ^ Grant Peck (8 December 2023). "Myanmar's army is facing battlefield challenges and grants amnesty to troops jailed for being AWOL". AP News.
  33. ^ "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.
  34. ^ "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.
  35. ^ "Myanmar military known as the Tatmadaw introduces compulsory military service". The Times Of India. 12 February 2024.
  36. ^ "Myanmar's military accused of war crimes over response to rebel offensive". The Times Of India. 21 December 2023.
  37. ^ "Myanmar's military offers pardons to returning army deserters". Agencia EFE. 5 December 2023.
  38. ^ "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.
  39. ^ "Myanmar Situation Update: Leader of the SAC Information Team Zaw Min Tun makes clarifications". MITV. 4 December 2023.
  40. ^ "Media's Unfair Coverage Exhausts Military's Patience: Spokesperson". The Irrawaddy. 30 April 2019.
  41. ^ "Myanmar military admits facing 'heavy assaults' from anti-coup forces. Spokesperson says opponents dropping 'hundreds' of drones on military outposts as offensive pushes forward". Al Jazeera News. 16 November 2023.
  42. ^ "Myanmar armed group seizes China-Myanmar border crossing". The Times Of India. 26 November 2023.
  43. ^ "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.
  44. ^ "Myanmar rebels seize vital border town as China calls for ceasefire". Al Jazeera News. 2 November 2023.
  45. ^ "Myanmar political standoff leaves economy in tatters". The Times Of India. 14 November 2021.
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  51. ^ "Myanmar says Aung San Suu Kyi in 'good health', met Thai FM". Al Jazeera News. 14 July 2023.
  52. ^ "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.
  53. ^ "Major-General Zaw Min Tun says China and Myanmar are strategic partners". cnimyanmar.com.
  54. ^ "General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman and deputy information minister, speaks during a media tour of the sitting Maravijaya Buddha statue". AP News.
  55. ^ "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.
  56. ^ "Alliance of 3 ethnic rebel groups carries out coordinated attacks in northeastern Myanmar". The Times Of India. 27 October 2023.
  57. ^ "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.
  58. ^ "Myanmar military exempts women from draft for now". Nikkei Asia. 22 February 2024.
  59. ^ "Myanmar army arrests ex-presidential spokesman over social media comments". Radio Free Asia. 3 November 2023.
  60. ^ "At the time junta 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.
  61. ^ "Myanmar military, ethnic groups agree to instant cease-fire". The Nation Thailand. 14 January 2024.
  62. ^ "Myanmar Says Drone Attack by Ethnic Groups Destroyed 120 Trucks". VOA News. 24 November 2023.
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  64. ^ "ဆိုင်းတောင်တိုက်ပွဲမှ ထွက်ပြေး လွတ်မြောက်နေသော အကြမ်းဖက် ဇော်မင်းထွန်း၏ တူတော်စပ်သူ ခမရ ၁၁၉ တပ်ရင်းမှူး ဒုဗိုလ်မှူးကြီး သက်ပိုင်ထွန်း ဥရုချောင်းအနီး ပစ်ခတ်ဖမ်းဆီးရာမှ သေဆုံးသွားပြီး အလောင်းရရှိ". Khit Thit Media. 10 October 2024.
  65. ^ "ကသိုင်းတောင်တိုက်ပွဲတွင် သေဆုံးခဲ့ပြီဟု သိရှိထားသော ဇော်မင်းထွန်း၏ အမျိုး ခမရ ၁၁၉ တပ်ရင်းမှူး ဒုဗိုလ်မှူးကြီး သက်ပိုင်ထွန်းမှာ ဆိုင်းတောင် Lucky Men ဟိုတယ်တိုက်ပွဲတွင် ထပ်မံ လွတ်မြောက်သွားပြန်". Khit Thit Media. 9 October 2024.
  66. ^ "Answer of Major General Zaw Min Tun, leader of SAC Information Team, to accusations of media". Global New Light Of Myanmar.
  67. ^ "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.
  68. ^ "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.
  69. ^ "Myanmar Army Steps Up Forced Conscription". The Irrawaddy. 15 February 2024.
  70. ^ "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.
  71. ^ "Myanmar army warns may 'take action' over its election dispute". Reuters.
  72. ^ "Myanmar's military frees thousands of detainees in amnesty". Nepal News. 19 October 2021.
  73. ^ "China's top diplomat visits Myanmar amid opposition protest". The Times Of India. 3 July 2022.
  74. ^ "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.
  75. ^ "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.
  76. ^ "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.
  77. ^ "No Contact: How Myanmar's Military Isolated Daw Aung San Suu Kyi From the World". The Irrawaddy. 10 May 2024.
  78. ^ "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.
  79. ^ "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.
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  83. ^ "Myanmar Military Spokesman Calls on China to Break Online Crime Gangs". The Irrawaddy. 2 November 2023.
  84. ^ "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.
  85. ^ "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.
  86. ^ "Major General Zaw Min Tun says Tatmadaw does not use poison gas bomb to attack TNLA". Channel News Independent.
  87. ^ "Myanmar's Tatmadaw tries a divide and conquer strategy in Shan State". Myanmar NOW. 23 November 2023.
  88. ^ "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.
  89. ^ "Myanmar Army Dismisses Soldiers' Rohingya Atrocity Confessions as Coerced". Radio Free Asia. 9 September 2020.
  90. ^ "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.
  91. ^ "Myanmar army warns may 'take action' over its election dispute". Reuters.
  92. ^ "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.
  93. ^ "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.
  94. ^ "Ethnic armies' 'Operation 1027' put Myanmar's army on defensive in 2023". Radio Free Asia. 30 December 2023.
  95. ^ "As Myanmar's Military Stumbles, a Top General's Disappearance Fuels Intrigue". The Irrawaddy. 19 April 2024.
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  103. ^ "ဥပ္ပါတသန္တိစေတီတော်၌ ဗုဒ္ဓမြတ်စွယ်တော်ပူးလာ ရဟန်းရှင်လူပြည်သူများဖြင့်စည်ကားလျက်ရှိ" (PDF). မြန်မာ့အလင်း (in Burmese). 18 November 2011. p. 9.
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Myanmar Ministry of Defence Official Website