Than Shwe Still Calling the Shots, as Wife Goes Missing

Snr-Gen Than Shwe attending Union Day celebrations in Naypyidaw, February 12, 2008. (Photo: NLM)

For the second time in two months, the wife of Burma’s military supremo has been absent from a state function to commemorate a national holiday, adding fuel to rumors that the aging first lady may be suffering serious health problems.

On Tuesday, Snr-Gen Than Shwe and aides attended a state dinner to celebrate Union Day at the town hall of the country’s new capital, Naypyidaw. A headline in the state-run New Light of Myanmar claimed that he was accompanied by his wife, Kyaing Kyaing, but she did not appear in any photos.
 
She also missed a state dinner to commemorate Burma’s Independence Day on January 4. There have been persistent rumors that Kyaing Kyaing, who is in her early seventies, may have suffered a stroke recently.

Speculation that Than Shwe may also be ill has been quashed by reports that he appears to be in good health.

Burma’s paramount leader, who was joined at the Union Day dinner by top military leaders—including Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, Gen Shwe Mann, Gen Thein Sein and Lt-Gen Tin Aung Myint Oo—“is in good health,” according to a guest who attended the event.

Speaking to The Irrawaddy recently, a Rangoon-based diplomat noted that the head of the junta appears to be “disappointingly healthy.”

A Rangoon-based journalist contacted by The Irrawaddy confirmed that the junta’s hard-line leader is still calling the shots and meeting regularly with trusted cabinet members to make major decisions.

Observers say that since the crackdown on last September’s protests, Than Shwe seems to be consolidating his power base and may even be moving to sideline the powerful army chief, Gen Maung Aye.

News reports indicated that the top leader and his second in command were at loggerheads over the shooting of monks and activists during the September uprising.

Larry Jagan, a Bangkok-based journalist who specializes in Burma issues, recently wrote that “Within the military, [Than Shwe] has clearly indicated to his number two, Gen Maung Aye, that he cannot hope to replace him as the country’s absolute ruler.” 

But Maung Aye, who has established a strong connection with New Delhi and is believed to have good relations with the head of India’s armed forces, has retained his powerful position near the top of the ruling council.