Than Swe (Burmese: သန်းဆွေ) is a Burmese diplomat and military officer. He has served as Deputy Prime Minister of Myanmar since 3 August 2023 and Minister for Foreign Affairs since 1 February 2023.
Than Swe | |
|---|---|
| သန်းဆွေ | |
 Than Swe in 2023 | |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Myanmar | |
| Assumed office 3 August 2023 | |
| President | Myint Swe (acting) |
| Prime Minister | Min Aung Hlaing |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs | |
| Assumed office 1 February 2023 | |
| President | Myint Swe (acting) |
| Prime Minister | Min Aung Hlaing |
| Preceded by | Wunna Maung Lwin |
| Myanmar Ambassador to the United States | |
| In office 25 July 2012 – 30 July 2012 | |
| President | Thein Sein |
| Preceded by | Lynn Myaing |
| Succeeded by | Kyaw Myo Htut |
| Myanmar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations | |
| In office 8 April 2009 – 24 July 2012 | |
| Prime Minister | Thein Sein |
| Leader | Than Shwe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 June 1953 (age 71) Burma |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Defence Services Academy |
| Occupation | Diplomat |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Myanmar |
| Branch/service | Myanmar Army |
| Years of service | 1975-2000 |
| Rank | Colonel |
Early life and education
editThan Swe was born on 19 June 1953.[1] He graduated from the 16th intake of the Defence Services Academy, alongside Wunna Maung Lwin, Thein Soe and Nyan Tun.[2]
Military career
editThan Swe served in the Burmese Armed Forces from January 1975 to May 2000.[2]
Post-military career
editBetween May 2000 to March 2009, Than Swe worked in the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs.[1] In July 2012, he was appointed as Myanmar's ambassador to the United States, becoming the first to serve since 2004 and signalling the restoration of full diplomatic ties between the two countries (see Myanmar–United States relations).[3] Between 2004 and 2012, the Burmese government had appointed a lower-ranking charge d'affaires to the role.[4]
After the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, Than Swe was appointed as the head of the Union Civil Service Board, until August 2022.[2] During his term, he reinstated policies during the Than Shwe era, including military-style uniforms for civil servants, and requirements to undergo military training and shooting practice for civil servants.[2] He was appointed chair of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Myanmar on 19 August 2022.[5] In November 2022, he was sanctioned by the European Union, for his role in legitimising the military coup and involvement in legal proceedings against the deposed leaders.[6]
On 1 February 2023, the State Administration Council, Myanmar's military junta, appointed Than Swe as Minister for Foreign Affairs, replacing Wunna Maung Lwin.[2] On 3 August 2023, he was additionally appointed as a deputy prime minister.[7]
Personal life
editThan Swe is married and has two daughters.[1] His son-in-law, Aung Ko, was President Thein Sein's primary interpreter from 2011 to 2016.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d "New Permanent Representative of Myanmar Presents Credentials". UN Press. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
- ^ a b c d e "Myanmar's new foreign minister returns to the spotlight". Myanmar NOW. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
- ^ Myay, Chan (2012-07-30). "New Burmese Ambassador Meets Obama". The Irrawaddy. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
- ^ Myay, Chan (2012-07-31). "US Expresses Concern for Minorities in Burma". The Irrawaddy. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
- ^ "U Than Swe". Open Sanctions. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
- ^ "Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2178 of 8 November 2022 amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma". Official Journal of the European Union. 2002-08-11.
- ^ "Myanmar Junta Leader Reshuffles Cabinet Days After Extending Emergency Rule". The Irrawaddy. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2024.