Zaw Min Tun (general)

Zaw Min Tun (ဇော်မင်းထွန်း; ) is a Burmese army general and the current Deputy Minister of Information in Myanmar. He serves concurrently as the Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team and heads the Press Team of the State Administration Council (SAC). Zaw Min Tun is acknowledged as a senior spokesman for the Myanmar Army.

Born in Yenanchaung, Myanmar (Burma), and currently holding the rank of major general in the Myanmar Army, his journey blends military expertise with political prominence. Graduating from the 37th intake of the Defense Services Academy, he rose to key positions, serving as Deputy Minister of Information, Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team, and leading the Press Team of the State Administration Council (SAC). His influence extends beyond military responsibilities, recognized as a key spokesperson for the Myanmar Army, known as the Tatmadaw. Zaw Min Tun's trajectory underscores a significant role in shaping and communicating Myanmar's political narrative.

Early life and education
Zaw Min Tun was born in Yenanchaung, Myanmar (Burma). His upbringing in this region provided the foundation for his military career.

Throughout his military career, Zaw Min Tun's path intersected with various key figures, reflecting his involvement in shaping Myanmar's political narrative. Notably, his journey included interactions with individuals like Zaw Htay, a former spokesperson for Myanmar's ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government. Despite their shared origins in central Myanmar—Zaw Htay from Magwe and Zaw Min Tun from Yenanchaung—their trajectories diverged. While Zaw Htay aligned himself with the NLD government, Zaw Min Tun assumed a contrasting role, contributing to the narratives of the military regime.

Military career
Zaw Min Tun has played a pivotal role within the Tatmadaw, emerging as a prominent figure and spokesperson for the military amid significant political shifts in Myanmar.

On 5 February 2021, he assumed the role of the State Administration Council (SAC)'s Press Team Leader and Chief of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team, followed by his appointment as Deputy Minister of Information on 7 February 2021. Despite his title as deputy minister, Zaw Min Tun wields considerable influence, often more than the actual minister, former Major General Maung Maung Ohn. He is frequently seen accompanying Min Aung Hlaing, which underscores his significant role. Serving as the State Administration Council (SAC)'s spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun has overseen all press conferences, aimed at conveying and justifying SAC narratives regarding the February 2021 Myanmar coup d'état and the military's subsequent actions. In his capacity as Government Deputy Minister of Information, he holds direct responsibility for state-owned media, overseeing the broadcast and publication of official news.

Prior to these appointments, Zaw Min Tun served as the director of the military's Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare before being assigned to the military press team. His responsibilities extended to addressing the Operation 1027 resistance offensive in northern Shan State and defending the military's actions through public statements. His multifaceted role underscores his significance in shaping the narrative and communication strategies of the Tatmadaw during critical political junctures. During his tenure as the SAC's spokesperson, he has consistently articulated the regime's policies and actions, which have garnered attention and scrutiny from various quarters.

Personal life
Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung.