MILITARY CAREER

Thein Sein graduated from the Defense Services Academy and became a colonel in 1986. As Commander of the Triangle Regional Command in 2001, he dealt with local drug lords in Shan State and with the Thais—whom he reportedly distrusts and dislikes—to resolve conflicts along the border. However, he failed to convince several armed opposition groups operating in the area to enter ceasefire agreements with the military. He later was named Commander of Strategic Command 2 of the Eastern Regional Command, and in 1992 became a general staff officer at the War Office in Rangoon.

In 1997, Thein Sein became a member of the SPDC.

In late 2001 he was promoted to Major General and appointed Adjutant-General of the War Office. A year later he was elevated in rank to Lieutenant General. Sometime after his appointment as PM, he achieved the rank of General. He also heads the War Veterans Organization.

On 26 April 2010, Thein Sein resigned his military posts to run as civilian in the general elections. On 29 April, the newly “civilized” Thein Sein filed registration papers for the formation of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which is the political arm of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA).

Ranks held

1986 - Colonel
Unknown – Commander of Strategic Command 2 of the Eastern Regional Command
1992 – General staff officer at the War Office, Rangoon
By 1997 – Triangle Region Commander, Major General
2001 –Adjutant General of the War Office
2002 – Lieutenant General
2003 – SPDC Secretary-2
2004 – SPDC Secretary-1
2007 – Prime Minister
2007 – General

PERSONAL DATA

In May 2004, Thein Sein had a pacemaker installed.