Zaw Min Tun (general)

Zaw Min Tun (Burmese: ဇော်မင်းထွန်း; pronounced [zɔ̀ mɪ́ɰ̃ tʰʊ̀ɴ]; born in Yenangyaung, Myanmar) is a Burmese army general and senior government spokesperson, widely recognized for representing the Myanmar military and government following the 2021 coup d'etat.^[7][8] He currently serves as Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar, Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare of the Myanmar Army, and Information Team Leader of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC).^[9][10][11] In these roles, he oversees official messaging, shaping how government policies and military operations are presented domestically and internationally.^[12][13]

Zaw Min Tun was born in Yenangyaung, a town in central Myanmar's central Magway Region.^[14][15] From an early age, he showed interest in leadership, discipline, and public service, which guided him toward a military career.^[16][17] He attended the Defence Services Academy (DSA), Myanmar’s premier institution for commissioning army officers, graduating as part of the 37th intake. At DSA, he received comprehensive training in military strategy, leadership, operational planning, and communications, a combination of tactical and administrative education that would later define his dual role as both a military officer and government spokesperson.^[18][19]

Zaw Min Tun began his career in the Myanmar Army after graduating from the 37th intake of the Defence Services Academy (DSA), undertaking operational and administrative assignments. Over time, he increasingly focused on communications and public relations, gaining expertise in managing information and coordinating messaging within the armed forces.^[20][21]

Zaw Min Tun was appointed head of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team in 2018, the military’s official media and public information unit. In this role, he coordinated press briefings, issued statements on military operations and national security developments, and represented the Tatmadaw in both domestic and international media. Notable moments included addressing the death of his nephew, Lieutenant Colonel Thet Paing Tun, during clashes with ethnic armed groups.

Zaw Min Tun was promoted to Head of the Press Team of the State Administration Council (SAC) on 5 February 2021, following the February 2021 coup, and was subsequently named Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar on 7 February. Shortly afterward, he assumed leadership of the army's public relations and psychological warfare division, overseeing strategic communications and state media operations.

Zaw Min Tun was appointed Information Team Leader of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) on 3 September 2025, coordinating official statements and press releases for one of Myanmar’s highest national security bodies. In this capacity, he manages communications strategy across domestic and international audiences, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with government and military objectives.^[22][23][24]

In recognition of his service and contributions to government communications, Zaw Min Tun was awarded the Pyidaungsu Sithu Thingaha (Order of the Union of Burma) and the Sithu state honours on 4 January 2026, during Myanmar’s Independence Day celebrations.^[25]

As a senior government official, Zaw Min Tun has served as one of the most visible and consistent voices for the military-led administration. He has provided briefings on a wide range of topics, including the 2025–26 Myanmar general election, explaining constitutional procedures under the 2008 Constitution, emphasizing voluntary participation, and clarifying post-election protocols.^[26][27][28]

He has reported on major military campaigns, such as Operation 1027 in northern Shan State, as well as broader nationwide security operations, including efforts to dismantle online scam networks. These briefings often included updates on operational outcomes, coordination with security forces, and collaboration with international authorities.^[29][30][31]

Internationally, Zaw Min Tun represents Myanmar in diplomatic communications, engaging on bilateral development projects, infrastructure cooperation, and participation in regional forums such as BIMSTEC.^[32] He has addressed controversial government actions, including the 2022 executions of political activists, presenting them as lawful under Myanmar’s domestic legal framework. Through these responsibilities, he has become a central figure in shaping public perception of the post-2021 government.

Zaw Min Tun’s communications often cover Myanmar’s ongoing conflicts, including the Myanmar civil war (2021–present), the Rohingya crisis, the Battle of Lashio, and the Battle of Sain Taung.^[33][34][35] He provides official explanations for operational strategies and security objectives, aiming to inform public and international audiences while maintaining the government’s narrative.^[36]

On 4 January 2026, Zaw Min Tun was awarded the Pyidaungsu Sithu Thingaha (Order of the Union of Burma) and the Sithu honour, two of Myanmar’s highest civilian honours, during the country's Independence Day celebrations.^[37] These awards recognize his contributions to public service, government communications, and promotion of national policies.^[38]

Zaw Min Tun is married to Thin Thin Aung, and the couple has one child, Thar Htet Htun.^[39] The family generally maintains a low public profile, occasionally appearing at official military and government events. Despite the demands of his highly visible professional role, Zaw Min Tun has largely kept his private life out of the spotlight, reflecting a disciplined and professional approach to both his personal and official responsibilities.

• State Administration Council
• Ministry of Information (Myanmar)
• National Defence and Security Council
• Tatmadaw True News Information Team

• Ministry of Information - Myanmar Government
• CNN Interview with Major General Zaw Min Tun
• Myanmar Ministry of Defence Official Website
• Exclusive Interview with Major General Zaw Min Tun, Spokesperson of SAC