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As the rule of Burma’s paramount leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, drags on and Burma sinks deeper into crisis, the behavior patterns and political moves of this aging despot are the subject of increasing attention and speculation. The very fate of Burma is linked to Than Shwe, whose manic, xenophobic and superstitious character bode ill for a country that needs to pull itself into the 21st century and into the international community of democratic nations.

Since the start of 2006, The Irrawaddy has been keeping a special file on Than Shwe, and it forms the basis of a new online feature, the Than Shwe Watch. We shall be following his movements, his decisions, statements, and also carrying anecdotes and grapevine news about this enigmatic figure. Perhaps this chronology will yield clues about the future course of Burma.

Than Shwe Watch

August 31, 2010

Snr-Gen Than Shwe is described in the state-run media as Senior General and chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), indicating that he remains effective head of the SPDC, while remaining a member of the armed forces.

August 27, 2010

Sources report that Snr-Gen Than Shwe and his deputy, Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, have resigned their military posts, along with six other top military officers. His position of commander-in-chief of the armed forces was reportedly transferred to Lt-Gen Myint Aung, the army's adjutant general. Than Shwe is tipped to become the president of Burma's civilian government after the November election.

August 4, 2010

Reports say Snr-Gen Than Shwe was admitted to Pun Hlaing International Hospital in Rangoon but discharged after a few hours.

July 27, 2010

Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi as the two countries sign a range of agreements on finance, technology, arms and border issues. Burmese Buddhist monks in India who met Than Shwe during his visit say the 77-year-old leader appeared to be in ill health.

July 25, 2010

At the start of a five-day visit to India at the head of a 77-member delegation, Snr-Gen Than Shwe—whose age happens to be 77— receives a red carpet welcome in New Delhi, although some exiled Burmese groups organize demonstrations against his presence. He visits Bodh Gaya, the holy Buddhist site in India.

June 3, 2010

Snr-Gen Than Shwe hold talks with visiting Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, in Naypyidaw.  During the Chinese leader's visit, both governments sign a series of bilateral agreements on energy, hydroelectric projects and aid. The two leaders "reached consensus on many issues and signed a lot of major deals which marks another step forward," reported a Chinese foreign ministry press release.

March 27, 2010

At an Armed Forces Day speech in Naypyidaw on March 27, Snr-Gen Than Shwe warns political parties to behave well while campaigning for the November election, adding that the armed forces can take part in politics “whenever the need arises.” In his seven-minute speech, Than Shwe also warns the international community not to meddle in the upcoming election and says “divisive acts” could spark anarchy and derail the transition to democracy.

January 4, 2010

In a statement marking the 62nd anniversary of Burma's independence from Britain, Snr-Gen Than Shwe promises an election in 2010, but offers no date or timetable for a democratic process.  He warns the Burmese people to “remain vigilant at all times against dangers posed by neocolonialists.”

November 12, 2009

During a visit to Sri Lanka, Snr-Gen Than Shwe is thought to have sought advice on how to deal with Burma's ethnic insurgencies in the light of the Sri Lankan government's  military campaign against ethnic Tamil insurgents earlier in 2009. The Burmese military strongman and his family spend much of their time in the country paying homage at Buddhist religious sites, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the town of Kandy.

August 15, 2009

Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets US Democratic Senator Jim Webb, chairman of the Senate foreign relations subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific affairs and a strong advocate of US engagement with the regime. Than Shwe allows the US Senator to meet opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and also complies with his visitor's request to free an American citizen jailed for illegally entering Suu Kyi's home.