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.

August 11, 2009

In what is seen as the ugliest of the regime's ploys against Burma's political opponents under the rule of  Snr-Gen Than Shwe, the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is condemned to a total of three years in jail for breaking the conditions of her house arrest by sheltering an American who entered her home uninvited. Within minutes of the prison sentence, Than Shwe reduces it to eighteen months of house arrest, saying he acted in consideration of the fact that Suu Kyi is the daughter of Burma's independence hero Gen Aung San.

July 3, 2009

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets Snr-Gen Than Shwe in Naypidaw but is refused permission to visit opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Ban Ki-moon later says he was told that he could not visit her because “they did not want to be seen as being interfered with or pressured from the outside.”

8 March, 2009

Burmese military chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe attends a topping ceremony of Yadana Seinbudaw (diamond orb) and Yadana Hngetmyatnadaw (pennant-shape vane) at Uppatasanti Pagoda, a replica of Rangoon’s famed Shwe Dagon Pagoda in Naypyidaw.

His wife, Kyaing Kyaing, and other family members take part in the ceremony. Senior military officials and their wives, including No 2 chief Maung Aye and his wife, Mya Mya San, also attend.

Kyaing Kyaing throws bank notes into the air and donates money to thousands of people during the consecration ceremony.

February 3, 2009

Snr-Gen Than Shwe is too busy to meet UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari, but he apparently finds time to meet and greet the new ambassadors of China, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Than Shwe features on the front page of The New Light of Myanmar at an embassy function as if to demonstrate his disrespect for the UN mandate for political reconciliation with the democratic opposition in Burma.

December 25, 2008

The junta leader is shown in state-run media for the second time visiting Kungyangon Township in Rangoon Division, one of the areas devastated by Cyclone Nargis. Accompanying him on his tour are Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and other senior military officers.

Than Shwe has not appeared in the state-run media visiting a cyclone disaster zone since May 18.

December 12, 2008

Commander in Chief Than Shwe attends the 51st intake of the Defense Service Academy in Pyinoolwin (formerly known as May Myo), Mandalay Division, with his wife, Kyaing Kyaing, two of their daughters, a granddaughter and his favorite grandson. The junta’s No 3, Gen Thura Shwe Mann, and Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo are also present at the ceremony.

November 28, 2008

At the 15th annual meeting of the military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) in Naypyidaw, Than Shwe says that the seven-step road map is the only way to achieve a smooth transition to democracy.

“The most crucial step for democratic transition has been implemented successfully due largely to public support, organizing measures of members [of the USDA] and the Tatmadaw that devotes itself to national defense duties,” he said.

“Despite various disturbances and pressure from those who do not want to realize the objective conditions of the nation, the goal of the state is drawing near,” he added.

All members of the State Peace and Development Council, including the second in command, Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, attended the USDA annual meeting, except for Gen Shwe Mann, the third highest-ranking general in Burma, who was in China to strengthen relations between the two countries’ armed forces.

October 27, 2008

Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets with visiting Vice Chief-of-Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Gen Zhang Li, in Naypyidaw. Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the Burmese junta’s No 3, and navy and army commanders also attend the meeting.

August 6, 2008

Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in Naypyidaw. Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein also attends the meeting, at which economic and technical cooperation is discussed.

June 23, 2008

According to military sources in Rangoon, Snr-Gen Than Shwe retires Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and reshuffles about 150 senior officers and a number of senior military officials.

Than Shwe also appoints his son-in-law, Col Thein Naing, to command Rangoon’s Mingalardon Air Base.

June 20, 2008

Snr-Gen Than Shwe reassigns Burma’s navy commander, Lt-Gen Soe Thein, to the post of Minister of Industry (2). The reassignment was reportedly made because of Than Shwe’s disappointment at the failure of the Burmese navy to respond to the presence of US and French naval warships off the Burmese coast in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

May 23, 2008

Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Naypyidaw and reportedly discusses with him a UN request for access by foreign aid workers to areas devastated by Cyclone Nargis. The junta’s No 2, Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye and other senior military officials attend the meeting.

May 18, 2008

Snr-Gen Than Shwe is shown by state-run media for the first time visiting one of the areas hit by Cyclone Nargis. Accompanying him on his tour of Hlaing Tharyar Township, Rangoon, are Prime Minister Thein Sein, Gen Thura Shwe Mann and other senior military officers.

May 10, 2008

Snr-Gen Than Shwe and his wife, Kyaing Kyaing, cast votes their votes at a polling station in Naypyidaw in the referendum on a new constitution.

April 22, 2008

Burma’s junta leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, spent the Burmese New Year with his wife Kyaing Kyaing and members of their family in Upper Burma, visiting Mandalay and Maymyo. On New Year’s Day, April 17, they offered alms at the Maha Arnthtoo Pagoda, in Maymyo, where the general and his wife have a home.

Superstition surrounded a visit they made to Maymyo’s National Kandawgyi Gardens. Than Shwe and Kyaing Kyaing released doves, pigeons, owls, sparrows and fish in a traditional ceremony that carried astrological significance.

Owls are known as Zee Gwat in Burmese, a combination of words that carry the astrological meaning of Tuesday-Monday. Suu Kyi’s own name has the astrological meaning of Tuesday-Monday, and it’s said that Than Shwe releases owls as a symbolic gesture, freeing Suu Kyi.

On April 18, Than Shwe and his wife attended a ceremony inaugurating Jivitadana Sangha Hospital, on Kandawgyi Lake Ring Road in Mandalay’s Chanmyathazi Township.

Until last month, Kyaing Kyaing had been absent for some time from the public eye, giving rise to rumors that she was ill. But then she appeared at ceremonies marking Armed Forces Day on March 27, and was at her husband’s side during his New Year visits to Mandalay and Maymyo.

December 14, 2007

Than Shwe Opens 'Cyber City'

Burmese junta head, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, visited Yadanabon Myothit, Burma’s Silicon Valley in Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly known as May Myo) Township in Mandalay Division, to attend the opening of Burma's first "cyber city" on Thursday. Than Shwe also visited the elite military school, Defense Service Academy (DSA). Than Shwe was expected to watch the SEA Games Football final on Friday— the competition was between Burma and Thailand, its historical rival.

December 04, 2007
In a message on the 87th anniversary of National Day, Snr-Gen Than Shwe exhorts the people to join with the government in implementing the seven-step roadmap to building a democratic state with patriotic spirit, nationalism and union spirit.

November 30, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe sees off Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein who leaves by air for Cambodia at the invitation of the prime minister of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.

November 19, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe sees off Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein who will attend the 13th Asean summit and related meetings to be held in Singapore.

November 16, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe, the patron of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, addresses a speech at the annual USDA meeting held at the University of Veterinary Science on Yezin University Campus. In a speech, he stresses that the Seven-step Road Map is the only means to a smooth transition towards a new State, and they have started to implement the third step of the Seven-step Road Map towards democracy.

November 15, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets the Chinese government’s special envoy, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, in Naypyidaw with other senior members of the SPDC, including Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein and Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo. On this occasion, Wang calls on the junta to speed up democratic reforms, state-run media reports.

November 08, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe sees off Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein who leaves by air from Naypyidaw airport on a state visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

November 02, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets Yasuaki Nogawa, the newly accredited ambassador of Japan, for the first time since a Japanese journalist was killed during the September protests.

October 24, 2007
In his message to the 62nd anniversary of United Nations, Snr-Gen Than Shwe warns that an unsustainable environmental poses a threat to global security.

Than Shwe appoints Lt-Gen Thein Sein to head the cabinet as prime minister and also assigns duties to hardliner Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo as Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council.

October 14, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe and his wife, Kyaing Kyaing, attend the state funeral for the late prime minister, Gen Soe Win, held at Mingaladon Defence Services General Hospital.

Together with his deputy, Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, and other top brass, Than Shwe is photographed at the funeral shaking hands with diplomats. The state-run newspaper, The New Light of Myanmar, devotes a front page report to the event.

October 8, 2007
Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, Deputy Minister for Labour, is assigned “Minister for Relations,” his task being to smooth relations with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

October 4, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe will personally meet with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi if she agrees to preconditions—discontinue confrontations with the government, stop devastating the economy and cease promoting economic sanctions on Myanmar—reports state-run media.
 
October 2, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, special envoy of the secretary-general of United Nations, shortly after the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations. At the meeting Gambari discusses the current situation in Burma with Snr-Gen Than Shwe and other senior members of the SPDC, including Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, Gen Thura Shwe Mann, and acting prime minister and Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, a UN statement says.

Reporting on Than Shwe's meeting with Gambari, state media quotes the general as saying “Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has called for confrontation, utter devastation, economic sanctions and all other sanctions.”

September 26, 2007
Thai newspaper The Nation reports that Than Shwe’s wife, Kyaing Kyaing, and his family flew to Thailand on Monday. Rumors circulate in Rangoon that Kyaing Kyaing and an unknown number of their children flew to Dubai. Diplomatic sources in Bangkok believe they first went to Singapore and then flew to Laos on a chartered flight. From there, they reportedly flew to Dubai, although some reports also suggest that they flew to Macau. Sources say that Tay Za asked his staff to keep an aircraft on standby at Rangoon airport during the demonstrations.

September 25, 2007
A military source in Southern Command says that Snr-Gen Than Shwe asked for his trusted Light Infantry Division 66 to crack down on protests in Rangoon.

August 27, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe sees off acting Prime Minister Lt-Gen Thein Sein and his wife, who left by air for Sri Lanka at the invitation of the prime minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka.
 
Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army in Naypyidaw. Thai ambassador Mr. Bonsarn Bunnag and military attaché Col Prissapa Suvanatat are also in attendance. On his last trip to Burma before retiring, Gen Sonthi says that during his two-day visit he accepted a request from the Burmese army to help restore peace between the junta and the armed ethnic groups in Burma, according to the Bangkok Post.

August 14, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets Nguyen Tan Dung, the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and his delegation in Naypyidaw. Vietnam’s ambassador to Burma, Tran Van Tung, also accompanies the prime minister during the two-day goodwill visit to Burma as part of his introductory tours of five Southeast Asian countries. Also present during the meeting in Naypyidaw were other senior members of the State Peace and Development Council, including Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, Gen Thura Shwe Mann, acting Prime Minister and Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein. Nguyen Tan Dung 's visit is reportedly aimed at strengthening friendly and cooperative relations with Burma, especially in the areas of economy, trade and investment.

April 17, 2007
Since the beginning of Burma’s traditional New Year, Snr-Gen Than Shwe has been traveling together with his wife Kyaing Kyaing and family in upper Burma. There he has inspected a 300-bed hospital, a pharmaceutical factory and a medical research department in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, Mandalay Division. “The patients on their part are required to share their medical costs without relying on the state funds alone,” Than Shwe said during an address to medical school and health professionals.

Than Shwe’s tour of the region also included a visit to Yadanabon Myothit, an area in Pyin Oo Lwin that is currently under construction and widely believed to be another major administrative center for the military government. His itinerary also included visits to two hydroelectric plants—the Shweli (1) dam in northern Shan State and the Yeywa Power Project under construction on the Myitnge River southeast of Mandalay.

March 28, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe addresses a meeting of the Central Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races in Naypyidaw, along with other senior members of the State Peace and Development Council and cabinet ministers who are also members of the committee. “We should not lose sight of the fact that a human society will enjoy human rights fully only if the rule of law is firm or, in other words, only if there is a firm administrative machinery that runs in accord with the law,” Than Shwe says in remarks delivered to the assembly. While Burma’s ruling junta characterizes the need for the rule of law to prevent rights abuses, the UN and other international critics who have consistently condemned pervasive rights abuses in the country say that the lack of any rule of law actually fuels continued rights abuses.

March 27, 2007
Amid the widespread speculation over his failing health and the consequent power struggle between top SPDC leaders, Snr-Gen Than Shwe attends the 62nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade held in Napyidaw. In a speech, he repeatedly calls on the government "to crush every danger of internal and external destructive elements obstructing the stability and development of the State.” He fails to mention anything about national reconciliation or political dialogue with the opposition parties. Snr-Gen Than Shwe and his wife were hosts at a dinner in the evening at which military and government officials, foreign military attaches and local and foreign journalists attend.

March 21, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe welcomes Choummaly Sayasone, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and his wife Keosaychay Sayasone, on their goodwill visit to Burma. Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, as well as other senior officials, accompany the Laotian president during the three-day state visit. The two leaders meet in the new administrative capital Naypyidaw to discuss ways to strengthen the friendship and promote cooperation between Burma and Laos.

Than Shwe made a state visit to Laos on September 5, 2003, during which he signed an Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment between the two countries.

February 12, 2007
In a statement on the 60th anniversary of Union Day, Snr-Gen Than Shwe criticized Western powers, saying “certain powerful countries desirous of gaining dominance over the Union of Myanmar are stirring up racial conflicts to break up national unity and cause the recurrence of armed conflicts. They are imposing economic sanctions against the nation and making political interference in the internal affairs to slow down the nation’s economic growth.” Regarding the National Convention, he said, “Before long, there will emerge a State Constitution.” Than Shwe and his wife Kyaing Kyaing held a Union Day dinner reception at the square of City Hall in Naypyidaw, attended by senior members of the SPDC.

January 26, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets General Boonsrang Niumpradit, Supreme Commander of Royal Thai Armed Forces, on Friday during a two-day goodwill visit to Burma. They discuss and agree to strengthen joint narcotics suppression along the border of the two countries and to exchange intelligence information, said General Boonsrang Niumpradit to the journalists in his return trip at the military airport in Thailand.

January 23, 2007
Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets Li Tieying, the vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, on Tuesday during a goodwill visit to Burma. At the invitation of Lt-Gen Thein Sein, secretary-1 of the junta, Li Tieying and his delegation visit Burma, according to the state-run media. No further details were given about the meeting.

January 20, 2007
The first accounts of Snr-Gen Than Shwe resuming public activities were the subject of reports in state-run newspapers. Earlier this month, Than Shwe returned from Singapore where he received medical treatment. Than Shwe attends the third quarterly coordination meeting of the State Peace and Development Council, including state and division level SPDC members, held at the Ministry of Defense hall in Naypyidaw on January 19, 2007.

January 12, 2007
Burmese military leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe on Friday returned from a two-week trip to Singapore, where he was treated for a medical condition. According to a witness, Than Shwe arrived at Rangoon’s international airport in mid-afternoon on a specially chartered flight of Myanmar Airways International. He later departed in a black Land Cruiser, the source added. The 73-year-old Than Shwe left for Singapore on December 31 accompanied by his family and a team of doctors led by his Health Minister and personal physician, Kyaw Myint. Sources in Singapore said that Than Shwe received treatment for intestinal cancer.

January 08, 2007
Burmese military leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe was discharged from Singapore General Hospital on Monday, according to sources in the city state. He was reportedly admitted in late December with an intestinal ailment. Some news reports said that he was suffering from intestinal cancer. Sources within Singapore’s Burmese community said that he is expected to return to Burma in the next two days.

A report by Reuters on Sunday said that, while hospital authorities denied that Than Shwe had been admitted, a reporter and photographer from the news agency witnessed several security staff outside one of the hospital rooms. Security later barred the journalists from the hospital. The photographer was briefly detained and forced to delete his photographs.

January 05, 2007
Burma’s top leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, is being treated at Singapore General Hospital for intestinal cancer, sources reported on Friday. The veteran leader, who is in his seventies, was admitted to the hospital on December 31. The sources said their information had been confirmed by the hospital.

In the absence of Than Shwe, his deputy, Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, hosted an Independence Day dinner in Naypyidaw on January 4.

January 03, 2007
Burma’s top leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, was admitted to a hospital in Singapore on December 31, according to sources in the city state, who cannot confirm the reason for his hospitalization. Sources claim the aging general was admitted to Singapore General Hospital on New Year’s Eve, adding that the visit could be for a regularly scheduled medical examination. Than Shwe’s age is officially given as 73, but military sources have suggested a more realistic figure of 76 or 77. His wife, Kyaing Kyaing, and his three daughters reportedly accompanied him to Singapore.

December 29, 2006
Snr-Gen Than Shwe, along with family members and a handful of senior leaders of Burma’s ruling State Peace and Development Council, traveled widely in the country during the week of December 21 to December 28. Most recently, he attended graduation services for the 9th and 8th intakes of the Defense Services Medical Academy in Rangoon on Thursday. In his address to the graduates, he said that in their studies of military science they must be brave, patriotic and prepared to sacrifice in their defense of the country. Than Shwe also had a personal meeting with three outstanding DSMA graduates and their parents.

Ever busy this holiday season, Than Shwe also attended the 8th intake of the Defense Services Technological Academy in Pyin Oo Lwin, also known as Maymyo, in Mandalay Division. “A powerful nation of the world tries to monopolize space militarily,” he said to the graduates. “You are to try to become the technologists who can promote military science and technology in building a modern Tatmadaw.” His wife, Kyaing Kyaing, and his three daughters also attended the ceremony. While in Mandalay Division, Than Shwe also paid a visit to the construction site of the new Yadanabon Bridge across the Irrawaddy River. He was joined by Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and Gen Thura Shwe Mann.

December 04, 2006
Burma’s junta chief, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, will not attend an annual summit of Asean scheduled for mid-December in the Philippines because he is focusing on drafting Burma’s new constitution—a principle goal of the National Convention, which reconvened in October this year. According to an official letter sent to the Philippines foreign ministry, Burma will send Prime Minister Gen Soe Win to represent Than Shwe at the 12th Asean Summit on December 11-13 on Mactan Island, 600 km south of Manila.

Than Shwe also missed last year’s Asean summit, which was chaired by Malaysia. Burma was scheduled to take over the rotating chairmanship of Asean this year, but it backed out amid pressure from Asean partners—the US and EU. The chairmanship passed instead to the Philippines, based on the regional bloc’s alphabetical rotation. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo earlier personally invited Than Shwe to attend the summit. The invitation was relayed by Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo when he visited Burma in August.

November 12, 2006
In an elaborate ceremony at a Buddhist temple overlooking his new capital, Naypyidaw, Than Shwe attends the inauguration of work on a replica of the country’s most revered Shwedagon pagoda. The auspicious number nine figures large in the ritual followed by Than Shwe and his retinue—a gong is struck nine times, after which Than Shwe, accompanied by his wife, drives the last of nine stakes into the ground where the new pagoda, called Uppatasanti, will be built. Then he sprinkles scented water in the center of the site, while eight military leaders take up positions at eight corners of the site and the bejeweled stakes are struck nine times with golden maces and anointed with scented water.

November 11, 2006
Than Shwe meets with UN top diplomat Ibrahim Gambari in Naypyidaw, during the envoy’s four-day visit to assess political developments in Burma. Gambari describes the meeting as a “frank and extensive dialogue” and is pleased “at the willingness of the leadership to continue to engage with the United Nations in this way.”

November 03, 2006
Video footage of the July wedding of Snr-Gen Than Shwe’s youngest daughter Thandar Shwe was leaked to the press and sparked outrage within Burma and outside the country because of the opulence of the ceremony and festivities in Rangoon and Naypyidaw. Britain’s BBC and the US TV station CNN were among the broadcasters which carried video scenes. Many viewers contrasted the ostentation of the occasion with the grim reality of life under Than Shwe’s regime.

October 24, 2006
Burma’s junta leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe met the chief of general staff of the Chinese army, Gen Liang Guanglie, on Sunday during a goodwill visit to the country, state-run media reported. The meeting took place in the new administrative capital Naypyidaw, but no other details were given about the talks. Burma is the third of four countries on the itinerary of Guanglie, a member of China’s Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China. The tour also includes Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.

China is the most important ally of Burma’s ruling junta, providing vital economic, military and other assistance, while western nations shun the military-ruled country because of its poor human rights record and failure to restore democracy. According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, Than Shwe said that China is a friendly nation that deserves trust. “For the past many years whenever Myanmar [Burma] met with difficulties, the Chinese friend had always shared true and sincere understanding and offered assistance,” the report said.

August 08, 2006
Snr-Gen Than Shwe marks the 39th anniversary of the founding of Asean with a statement in which he calls on the bloc to abide by its principles in “facing the challenge of Asean being a credible organization.” Than Shwe recalls the group’s achievements, which he says are due to “consensus building, positive thinking [and] avoiding interference in other countries’ internal affairs.”

He welcomes the adoption of the Asean Charter, expected in 2007. The legally binding charter is expected to include detailed references to democracy and human rights, and may also drop the clause relating to non-interference in other member countries’ affairs.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi sets a different tone in a speech marking the anniversary of Asean. He says that the Burma issue has led to much
debate about the non-interference policy, which was due for an overhaul. Meanwhile, at Naypyidaw, Than Shwe holds talks with visiting Thai Supreme Commander Gen Ruengroj Mahasaranond of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

August 02, 2006
Snr-Gen Than Shwe meets Thai caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Burma’s new capital Naypyidaw this afternoon. Thaksin makes the surprise half-day visit with a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon, Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat, and army chief, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

Thaksin tells reporters after the unusual meeting with Than Shwe: “We covered everything from social issues, economic and politics and bilateral and multilateral issues. I can’t go into details.” Thai media reports that the meeting also focuses on issues of Burmese migrant workers and cross-border drug trafficking, while critics say the trip has more to do with Thaksin’s personal business concerns.

Thai Foreign Minister Kantathi, who met his Burmese counterpart Nyan Win, says the regime is thinking about freeing Aung San Suu Kyi but has not set any time frame for her release. The Army chief said he had a separate meeting with the third in command of the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), Gen Thura Shwe Mann, during which they agreed to strengthen border cooperation.

The Burmese junta’s Deputy Snr-Gen Maung Aye and Prime Minister Soe Win were also in attendance.

July 15, 2006
During a seasonal tree-planting ceremony in Burma’s administrative city, Naypyidaw, Snr-Gen Than Shwe interred four specimens: a gum-kino, or Pterocarpus macrocarpus; a sal, or Shorea robusta; a star flower, or Mimusops elengi; and a Gangaw, or Mesua ferrea. Other top generals, including Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, followed his lead—planting the same species of trees in the same order. Some Burmese view such ceremonial plantings by the junta’s top brass—in which the trees are seen as national symbols—as holding astrological significance, as attempts to bring good luck or ward off evil.

The junta supremo also took time out to inspect the construction site of Naypyidaw’s new City Hall.

July 03, 2006
The wedding of junta supremo Than Shwe’s daughter on Sunday was expected by residents in Rangoon to be the most expensive in modern Burmese history, as news of the event spread through town. Rumors have it that the nuptials cost a staggering 4 billion kyat (US $300,000). Asia World Co Ltd, Burma’s biggest conglomerate headed by notorious drug lord Lo Hsing Han, is said to have provided the catering, while well-known Burmese tycoon Tay Za’s Htoo Trading Company footed the bill for many of the other arrangements. Lt-Gen Myint Swe, commander of Rangoon Division, is thought to have provided the wedding gown.

Sources in Rangoon said that the festivities were to have been held yesterday and today, and that the bride—Khin Thandar Shwe, in her mid-30s—is known as Ma Pauk at home. Since last week, other rumors have suggested that the purchase of diamonds by high-ranking government officials and businesspeople have driven up the price in Rangoon.

June 30, 2006
Than Shwe’s youngest daughter, Thandar Shwe, is getting married on July 2, reportedly in the Zeyathiri government guest house in Rangoon. The groom is Maj Zaw Phyo Win, a deputy director of the Ministry of Commerce.

Meanwhile, there are rumors that the price of diamonds has increased in Rangoon because many high-ranking military and government officials and wealthy businessmen have bought them as wedding presents.

Rumors are circulating in Rangoon that a well-known tycoon, Tay Za, who is close to the junta’s supremo Snr-Gen Than Shwe, spent 4 billion kyat [US $300,000] buying Belgium-cut diamonds for the wedding. Tay Za, known as the junta’s sole arms broker, has reportedly had an affair with another daughter of Than Shwe.

Tay Za, managing director of the Htoo Trading Company, has reportedly arranged many items for the wedding, including carpets from Singapore and Thailand.

Some sources say there might be additional wedding ceremonies for the couple outside Rangoon, possibly including the new capital of Naypyidaw, Pyinmana.

June 08, 2006
Rumors are circulating in Rangoon that Snr-Gen Than Shwe is soon to give up his post as commander-in-chief of Burma’s armed forces and hand the job over to Gen Shwe Mann, currently army chief-of-staff and coordinator of air force, navy and army operations. Changes are said to be forthcoming at the War Office and within the ruling body, the State Peace and Development Council.

Than Shwe, it is predicted by some military observers, will remain on the ruling council and have a final say in the armed forces. He is said to want to remain paramount leader. The new structure that would arise would be similar to the Chinese model, where the Communist Party controls both party and the military. His trusted man Lt-Gen Myint Swe, who was recently made head of the Bureau of Special Operations 5, will be given a place on the SPDC, it is rumored.

Observers say that if Than Shwe leaves his army post, he will probably ask his deputy, Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, to resign along with him.

Than Shwe is also said to be preparing to give a speech on state-run television to explain the regime’s policy and even disclose a plan to continue on the seven-point road map by holding elections. A television appearance would be the first such address to the nation. Than Shwe normally speaks only at official ceremonies and at the annual Armed Forces Day parade.

May 27, 2006
Appeals from around the world for an end to the house arrest of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi are ignored by Snr-Gen Than Shwe, who turns a deaf ear even to a personal plea by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. “I'm relying on you, General Than Shwe, to do the right thing,” said Annan during a visit to neighboring Thailand. “I believe her release will facilitate national dialogue and allow the National League for Democracy to participate in that dialogue … it would be in the interest of Myanmar [Burma], the region and the world at large.” Wasted words—Than Shwe responded by extending Suu Kyi’s detention by another full year.

May 20, 2006
Apparently bowing to UN pressure, Snr-Gen Than Shwe unexpectedly makes a last-minute decision during talks with UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari, to allow the Nigerian diplomat to meet opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The meeting occurs at the government’s guesthouse in Rangoon. Gambari met Than Shwe at the new administrative capital, Naypyidaw, near Pyinmana.

May 10
Rumors are circulating in Rangoon that the regime plans a reshuffle soon of the cabinet and regional military command. Sources said that a quarterly meeting is due soon between Snr-Gen Than Shwe, his top brass and regional commanders, at which a cabinet and military command shake-up could occur.

Than Shwe is back at his desk in the new administrative capital, Naypyidaw (Royal City), after a routine medical check-up at the army hospital in Rangoon. The elderly leader is believed to be suffering from hypertension and diabetes.

After the check-up, he returned to Naypyidaw with members of his family. He holds regular video conferences with subordinates from his office there, according to military sources.

May 08
Snr-Gen Than Shwe, who is also his country’s defense minister, will reportedly stay away from a meeting of Asean defense ministers in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, this week. No official explanation has been given for his absence.

May 05
A wide-ranging smoking ban was signed into law by Snr-GenThan Shwe. The new law, which takes effect next year, bans smoking in public places and prohibits advertisements of tobacco products on television and other mass media. Offenders will face punishment ranging from a fine of 1000 kyat (less than US $1) to two years imprisonment.

May 02
In his Labor Day message, Burma’s Snr-Gen Than Shwe thanked his own ruling council for building industrial zones, modern factories and other industrial and commercial infrastructure.

He said: “Thanks to the correct leadership of the State Peace and Development Council, the entire nation has witnessed a great number of industrial zones, modern factories and plants, business and trade enterprises, services, and international level offices and departments. And national workers have an easy access to modern machinery and technologies, international office equipment and management methods.”

Than Shwe also praised his government’s effort to raise salaries for workers and creating rights and opportunities for the workers.

However, he warned that while workers and government staff are enjoying unprecedented rates of salaries and opportunities, certain “neo-colonialists” were manipulating international organizations under the pretext of protecting human rights and workers’ rights. They were leveling accusations at the nation and installing their lackeys in international organizations to harm the interests of Burma and its workers. April 22
Snr-Gen Than Shwe toured the future building sites of the Kyungon and Pyapon bridges in Burma’s Irrawaddy Division, and the Twantay Bridge in Rangoon Division.

According to state-run The New Light of Myanmar, Than Shwe met with members of Irrawaddy Division PDC, departmental officials and chairpersons of the districts and townships and USDA members at Thiri Annawa Hall in Pyapon.

During the meeting, he gave a speech on governmental transition in Burma, saying: “Democracy cannot be introduced through words. The introduction of democracy without discipline can incite mob rule and anarchy.”

April 18
During last week’s New Year water festival holidays in Burma, Snr-Gen Than Shwe and other senior military leaders went to western Arakan State, where he and his entourage opened Rangoon-Kyauk-phu highway in the town of Yanbye. 

The junta leader performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony and made marathon speeches, in which he mentioned the importance of national unity and the large sum of money his government was spending building roads and bridges in Arakan State. Than Shwe, his wife, Kyaing Kyaing, and family also held a merit making ceremony at a famous pagoda in Sittwe, to ward off misfortune, local sources said.

The state-owned press said that on April 13, Than Shwe and his family members visited Lawkananda pagoda in Sittwe, and made donations. However, local Arakanese believe that the highly-superstitiousThan Shwe and his family also held voodoo style ceremony at the pagoda.

April 12
Snr-Gen Than Shwe, who has recently been given the name “Bulldog” by several businessmen and critics, is said to be considering a trip to Ngapali or Ngwe Hsaung for this year’s Thingyan celebration. Sources in Rangoon report that the general may take his family to one of the two beach resorts for the water festival. He has been known to spend past family holidays with his family at Ngwe Hsaung beach, about 210 km southwest of the capital, in Irrawaddy Division. One of Ngwe Hsaung’s resorts is owned by well-known tycoon and military crony Tay Za. On a few occasions, Than Shwe has taken refuge in Ngwe Hsaung to avoid meeting foreign delegations or a visiting UN mission.

April 02
Than Shwe sees off a Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye-led delegation, leaving for Russia for a six-day visit. The official media reports the delegation comprises top brass officials and ministers, while rumors suggest the presence of tycoon Tay Za, who is the sole representative in Burma of Russia’s Export Military Industrial Group, also known as MAPO, and of the Russian helicopter company Rostvertol.

March 30
A military source in Rangoon says that Snr-Gen Than Shwe asked Light Infantry Divisions 66 and 99 to attack Karen insurgents and civilians in Taungoo district, Western Karen State. 

The source said that Than Shwe was upset with the recent spate of bomb attacks in Taungoo and ordered the commanders of LID 66 and 99 to launch offensives and clear the area.

Because of the offensives, several hundred Karen civilians have fled to the Thailand border and many are hiding in the jungle. The regime’s number two man, Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, who usually commands military operations, was not consulted about the operations in Taungoo. 

March 29
Snr-Gen Than Shwe has asked businessman Tay Za to purchase five Toyota Land Cruisers for his family. Business sources say that Than Shwe requested that all SUV vehicles be equipped with bulletproof glass and top of the range safety features. Last year, Tay Za reportedly offered a British-made Bentley to Burma’s number one, but he refused. Instead Than Shwe reportedly said “Bring me a Toyota.”

Tay Za, managing director of Htoo Trading Company, is close to Than Shwe family and is believed to be romantically involved with one of Than Shwe’s daughters. Business sources in Rangoon have also reported that one of Than Shwe’s daughters has recently bought a luxurious condominium in Raffles Square, Singapore.

March 27
Than Shwe attends the 61st anniversary celebration of Burma’s Armed Forces Day in the new administrative capital, Pyinmana. Addressing 12,000 troops at the newly-completed parade ground, he says: “In order to ward off any danger befalling the country, our military, together with the people, must be strong, efficient, patriotic and modern.”

March 09
Than Shwe meets Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam in Rangoon. During Kalam’s three-day state visit, Delhi and Rangoon sign agreements on energy, education, cultural exchanges and aerospace.

March 01
Than Shwe, together with other top brass, meets visiting Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during the Jakarta leader’s two-day goodwill visit to Burma.

February 22
Than Shwe takes third place in Parade Magazine’s annual list of “The World’s 10 Worst Dictators.”

February 17
Than Shwe reportedly visits Pyinmana.

February 14
Than Shwe sees off prime minister Gen Soe Win on a state visit to China.

February 12
In a statement marking the 59th anniversary of Union Day, Than Shwe accuses Western powers of trying to meddle in Burma’s domestic affairs. “They are also imposing economic sanctions on Myanmar [Burma] and attempting to incite political instigations to hinder the momentum of national development,” he says. “People should be aware of the fact that colonialists and neo-colonialists who are anxious to intrude and dominate our union have been intentionally breaking up our national solidarity.”

January 30
Accompanied by senior officials of the junta, Than Shwe inspects the Pammawaddy River bridge linking Myaung Mya and Bassein of Irrawaddy Division.

January 27
Than Shwe visits Ngwe Hsaung beach in Bassein, Irrawaddy Division, and inspects construction work on Burma’s seaside resort. He’s briefed by businessmen, including tycoon Tay Za of Htoo Trading Co.

January 20
Than Shwe meets an Indian naval delegation led by chief admiral Arun Prakash.

January 04
In a message commemorating the 58th anniversary of Independence Day, Than Shwe says: “Nowadays, brazen annexation of a nation with the use of force is not as popular as before. However, it is found that some big nations are essaying to interfere in the domestic affairs of others and influence their political, economic, social and cultural traditions.”

Irrawaddy Publishing Group

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