Zaw Min Tun (general)

Zaw Min Tun (Burmese: ဇော်မင်းထွန်း; pronounced [zɔ̀ mɪ́ɰ̃ tʰʊ̀ɴ]; born Myanmar) 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 Yenangyaung, 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 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.