There is no president for Myanmar. Myanmar has a council where the power belongs to the military.
However, the first president of Myanmar was Sao Shwe Thaik, who served from 1948 to 1952.
Sao Shwe Thaik was born in Nyaungshwe, Shan State, in 1895, with the Shan name Sao Khun Hkun Krut and the Burmese name U Shan Shwe Thaik. He was the eldest son of Sao Maung, the last reigning Saopha (prince) of Yawnghwe, and his wife Sao Nang Hkam Nwe.
Sao Shwe Thaik received his early education at the Southern Shan States High School in Taunggyi and the Sanawar Boarding School in the Simla Hills of British India.
In 1917, he joined the Indian Army and served with the 34th Sikh Pioneers during World War I. After the war, he returned to Burma and became involved in politics.
In 1922, Sao Shwe Thaik was elected to the Shan State Council, and in 1923 he became the Saopha of Yawnghwe. He was an active member of the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL), which was formed in 1944 to resist Japanese occupation.
In 1948, after Burma gained independence from Britain, Sao Shwe Thaik became the first president of the Union of Burma. He served until 1952, when he was overthrown by a military coup led by General Ne Win.
Sao Shwe Thaik was a highly respected leader, both in Burma and internationally. He was a strong advocate for democracy and human rights, and he played a key role in the establishment of the United Nations.
He died in Rangoon in 1962.
- First President of Myanmar (1948-1952)
- Leader of the Shan State and member of the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL)
- Strong advocate for democracy and human rights
- Key role in the establishment of the United Nations
Emblem of Myanmar
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Mozambique, Morocco and Montenegro. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Myanmar President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Myanmar’s History
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has had a rich political history with various presidents leading the country since its independence in 1948. Here is a list of 10 of the most popular presidents from Myanmar:
- U Nu (1948-1958, 1960-1962): U Nu was Myanmar’s first Prime Minister and later became the President. He played a crucial role in the country’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.
- Ne Win (1962-1981): Ne Win seized power in a military coup and ruled as both president and chairman of the Revolutionary Council. His policies focused on a Burmese socialist system, but his authoritarian regime led to economic stagnation and political repression.
- Maung Maung (1988): Maung Maung briefly served as the president during the pro-democracy uprising in 1988. However, his presidency was short-lived, and he was ousted by the military junta.
- Aung San Suu Kyi (2016-2021): Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), became the state counselor and de facto leader of Myanmar. Despite her international acclaim as a pro-democracy advocate, her presidency faced criticism for her handling of the Rohingya crisis.
- Myint Swe (2021): Myint Swe served as the acting president of Myanmar following the military coup in 2021. He was a former military general and chairman of the previous military junta.
- Win Myint (2018-2021): Win Myint was the president of Myanmar from 2018 until 2021. He was a close ally of Aung San Suu Kyi and played a significant role in the country’s democratic transition.
- Htin Kyaw (2016-2018): Htin Kyaw was the first civilian president of Myanmar after more than five decades of military rule. He was a close friend and confidant of Aung San Suu Kyi, who nominated him for the presidency.
- Thein Sein (2011-2016): Thein Sein served as the president during Myanmar’s transition from military rule to a civilian government. Under his leadership, the country implemented significant political and economic reforms.
- Maung Win (1974-1981): Maung Win served as the president during the one-party socialist rule of the Burma Socialist Programme Party. His presidency witnessed a period of economic instability and political repression.
- San Yu (1981-1988): San Yu succeeded Ne Win as the president of Myanmar. His presidency was marked by the continued authoritarian rule and economic decline.
These presidents have left a lasting impact on Myanmar’s political landscape, whether in promoting democracy, implementing reforms, or perpetuating authoritarianism. Their tenure has shaped the country’s history and influenced its present situation.
