Zaw Min Tun (general)
Zaw Min Tun is a Burmese army general and senior spokesperson for the Myanmar Army, currently serving as Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar since 7 February 2021. He is also the Information Team Leader of the National Defence and Security Council and Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare of the Myanmar Army. Zaw Min Tun previously headed the Tatmadaw True News Information Team and served as Head of the Press Team of the State Administration Council, the military-led governing body that administered Myanmar following the 2021 coup until its dissolution on 31 July 2025. He represents the Tatmadaw and government in press briefings on elections, post-election procedures under the 2008 Constitution, and nationwide campaigns against online scams.
Early life and education
Zaw Min Tun was born in Yenangyaung, a town in central Myanmar. He graduated from the 37th intake of the Defence Services Academy, Myanmar's premier military training institution, where he received training in leadership, strategy, and communication. These skills shaped his career in military operations, communications, and public relations.Military career
Zaw Min Tun began his military career after graduating from the 37th intake of the Defence Services Academy and rose through the ranks to take leadership roles in the armed forces' communications and information management. He has served in military public communications roles since at least 2018, when he led the Tatmadaw True News Information Team, continuing as a spokesperson through 2019 and beyond.Following the February 2021 coup, Zaw Min Tun was appointed Head of the Press Team of the State Administration Council on 5 February 2021 and Deputy Minister of Information of Myanmar on 7 February 2021. In February 2021, he also assumed the position of Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare of the Myanmar Army, overseeing state-run information channels and managing official communications across domestic and international audiences.
On 3 September 2025, Zaw Min Tun was appointed Information Team Leader of the National Defence and Security Council, responsible for the council’s information and communications operations. In this role, he manages official statements, press releases, and media communications on behalf of the NDSC, ensuring consistent messaging at home and abroad.
Zaw Min Tun has publicly addressed major military operations, including Operation 1027 and clashes in northern Shan State. He has also addressed personal and symbolic moments within the military, including the death of his nephew, Lieutenant Colonel Thet Paing Tun, during clashes with ethnic armed groups. He has rejected prisoner exchange proposals from the Arakan Army, defended government actions that drew international criticism, and represented the military in diplomatic discussions, including cooperation with Russia on infrastructure projects, participation in BIMSTEC summits, and responses to international scrutiny over elections and governance.
In December 2025, he emphasized that the 2025–26 Myanmar general election is conducted for the people rather than to gain international approval. Speaking to Japan’s NHK, he stated that participation is voluntary and that the election process aims to restore a multi-party democratic system and build a federal union. Regarding the post-election political landscape, he clarified that any appointment of Acting President and Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as president would follow the 2008 Constitution and the parliamentary electoral process.
Zaw Min Tun has also led press briefings on nationwide efforts to dismantle online scam networks, including raids in Kayin State that resulted in the detention of thousands of foreign nationals. He provided updates on operations, deportations, and coordination with international authorities.
On 4 January 2026, Zaw Min Tun received the Pyidaungsu Sithu Thingaha and Sithu state honours during Myanmar’s Independence Day celebrations.