Major General Zaw Min Tun
ဇော်မင်းထွန်း
Zaw Min Tun in 2021
Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar
Incumbent
Assumed office February 2021
President	Myint Swe
Prime Minister	Min Aung Hlaing
Preceded by	Aung Hla Tun
Head of the Press Team of State Administration Council
Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team
Personal details
Born	Yenanchaung, Myanmar
Spouse	Thin Thin Aung
Alma mater	Defence Services Academy
Military service
Allegiance	Tatmadaw
Branch/service	Myanmar Army
Rank	Major General

Major General Zaw Min Tun (Burmese: ဇော်မင်းထွန်း) is a Burmese army general and incumbent Deputy Minister of Information,^[1] concurrently serving as the Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team, and head of the State Administration Council's press team.^[2] General Zaw Min Tun is also a senior spokesman for the Myanmar Army.^{[3][4][5][6][7]}

Early life

Born in Yenanchaung, Myanmar, Zaw Min Tun's early life laid the foundation for his future military career. Zaw Min Tun graduated from the 37th intake of the Defense Services Academy, showcasing early dedication to his military education.^[8] He is married to Thin Thin Aung.^[9] The details of his personal life are kept private, reflecting his commitment to maintaining a level of confidentiality outside his duties within the Tatmadaw.

Military career

Zaw Min Tun has been a key figure within the Tatmadaw, demonstrating strategic leadership and active involvement in pivotal military operations. Notably, he played a crucial role in the recent Operation 1027 resistance offensive launched in northern Shan State on October 27. As Myanmar faced significant political shifts, he emerged as a prominent spokesperson for the military. His notable defense of the military's actions occurred during a news conference in Naypyidaw on Feb. 16, 2021, where he asserted that their actions were conducted within the bounds of the law and in the pursuit of justice for the people.

Zaw Min Tun has been assigned the task of addressing the Operation 1027 resistance offensive and defending the military's actions through public statements. He has been involved in disseminating information, including claims that the military's actions are lawful and carried out in the name of justice for the people. One of the notable instances was during a news conference in Naypyidaw on February 16, 2021, where he responded to questions regarding the constitutionality of the coup, the detention of elected leaders, the use of force against protests, and other critical issues. His responses highlighted the military's commitment to abiding by laws and maintaining peace and security in the country. In December 2023, he asserted that the military played a vital role in safeguarding democracy in Myanmar. He claimed that the Tatmadaw, Myanmar's military, had been a key proponent of multi-party democracy. However, historical context contradicts this narrative, as the military's coup in 1962 marked the end of the multi-party democracy that had been in place since independence. Despite subsequent elections, including those in 2010, 2015, and 2020, the military, through the 2008 Constitution, sought to maintain its influence. The 2021 coup led by Min Aung Hlaing further solidified the military's historical role as a force challenging Myanmar's democratic aspirations. The spokesperson's portrayal of the military as a guardian of democracy contrasts with the historical events shaping Myanmar's political landscape.

Zaw Min Tun was appointed SAC Press Team Leader on 5 February 2021 and Deputy Minister of Information on 7 February 2021 by the State Administrative Council (SAC) led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing.^[10][11] As the State Administration Council's spokesperson, he Tun has presided over all the SAC’s press conferences, which aim to relay and justify SAC’s narratives over the coup and of the military's actions since then.^[12][13] As Government Deputy Minister of Information, he bears direct responsibility for state-owned media and thus for the broadcast and publication of official news.^[14][15]

Role in execution of activists

In July 2021, Zaw Min Tun defended the execution of four activists, who are Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Jimmy, and two other men, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw, asserting that it was carried out lawfully and in the name of justice for the people . Zaw Min Tun emphasized that the executions were not personal but were conducted according to the law, and the individuals were given the opportunity to defend themselves. Despite anticipating criticism, the military government maintained its stance on the lawful nature of the executions. He has been assigned the task of addressing the Operation 1027 resistance offensive and defending the military's actions through public statements. He has been involved in disseminating information, including claims that the military's actions are lawful and carried out in the name of justice for the people. One of the notable instances was during a news conference in Naypyidaw on Feb. 16, 2021, where he responded to questions regarding the constitutionality of the coup, the detention of elected leaders, the use of force against protests, and other critical issues. His responses highlighted the military's commitment to abiding by laws and maintaining peace and security in the country.

Controversies and criticisms

Zaw Min Tun has faced criticisms for his role in downplaying the impact of Operation 1027 and disseminating information that contradicts the reality on the ground. The military's actions, as defended by Zaw Min Tun, have drawn international criticism, with concerns raised about human rights violations and the suppression of democratic values. General Zaw Min Tun held a conversation with CNN, asserting the military's perspective on recent events in the country. He emphasized that their actions were not a coup but rather an effort to safeguard the nation while investigating alleged election fraud. Zaw Min Tun attributed the street violence to what he described as "riotous" protesters, distancing the military from responsibility.During the interview, Zaw Min Tun touched upon the historical context, suggesting that the military's actions align with the principles of the country's modern military founder, Aung San. He mentioned that the state of emergency, initially declared for one year, might be extended based on the completion of certain duties. While he did not specify a firm date for elections, he reiterated a commitment to holding a free and fair election within the next two years, as mandated by the 2008 constitution.Critics have questioned the military's willingness to relinquish power, the prospect of genuinely free and fair elections, and whether the ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and her party would be allowed to participate. Zaw Min Tun referred to past reforms after Myanmar's military rule ended in 2011, leading to the 2015 elections where Suu Kyi secured a significant victory. He emphasized that the military's actions were not driven by a desire to prevent her leadership from the outset.The military's justification for the coup centers around allegations of widespread election fraud during the November vote, challenging the legitimacy of the National League for Democracy's potential second term and its reform agenda, including constitutional amendments aimed at limiting military influence.