Myanmar Spring Chronicle – Scene from October 26
(MoeMaKa) October 27, 2024
Case Filed with Four Charges Against Than Shwe’s Son-in-Law
In recent days, Dr. Nay Soe Maung, the son-in-law of General Than Shwe, who ruled Myanmar from 1993 to 2010 as a military dictator, was arrested by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, whom Than Shwe had appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Following his arrest, Dr. Nay Soe Maung faced four charges, including Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, Anti-Terrorism Law violations, undermining state security, and Electronic Act charges, as reported in the news.
Dr. Nay Soe Maung, a retired military doctor and former university rector in the medical field, has been a supporter of the National League for Democracy (NLD) since before the military takeover. He openly posted his support for NLD on social media platforms like Facebook. After the military coup, he participated in some protests, sharing images of his involvement on his account, and continued to post writings critical of the coup. He also recently expressed condolences and admiration for the late Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, former Chief Minister of Mandalay Region, which preceded his arrest by the junta.
His son, Pho La Pyi, is one of the most prominent grandchildren of General Than Shwe, who ruled the country with an iron fist for nearly two decades. This elite group benefited greatly during the authoritarian regime, enjoying privileges alongside the children of cronies and military generals.
Before the 2010 election, Than Shwe orchestrated the transition within the military, deciding who would retire and who would remain. During this reshuffle, Min Aung Hlaing, then a relatively lower-ranking general, was appointed as the Chief of Defense Coordination, which later paved the way for his current position as Commander-in-Chief under the government of President Thein Sein after the election.
At that time, Than Shwe’s choice of Min Aung Hlaing surprised many, as rumors circulated about dissatisfaction among senior generals. In August 2010, during the transition, many senior generals were retired and shifted to join the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). At the time, the anticipated candidate for the Commander-in-Chief role was General Thura Myint Aung. However, in March 2011, Min Aung Hlaing was unexpectedly appointed to this top military position, which reportedly left Thura Myint Aung discontented.
These recent events, along with the case filed against Than Shwe’s son-in-law by Min Aung Hlaing, signify that Than Shwe may no longer wield influence over him. This suggests divisions among some authoritarian elites, with Min Aung Hlaing currently controlling the military yet facing underlying discontent among military officials.
This situation reflects an ongoing cycle of power struggles and betrayals within Myanmar’s modern politics, where each authoritarian regime monitors and competes with its predecessors. The current state reflects a pattern similar to the military’s consolidation of power seen since the 1958 caretaker government, when former leader Ne Win purged dissenting military officers. Similarly, Than Shwe had previously detained and charged members of his predecessor Ne Win’s family.
Today, as Min Aung Hlaing acts independently and issues charges even against Than Shwe’s inner circle, it demonstrates a clear message of unyielding authority over former military elites.