Than Shwe’s Health Again in Question

By MIN LWIN

Burma’s 75-year-old leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, is undergoing medical treatment at his Rangoon residence near Tooth Relic Pagoda in Mayangone Township, says a source close to the junta chief’s family.

Snr-Gen Than Shwe (L) salutes as members of the Burmese military parade during ceremonies marking Armed Forces Day in Naypyidaw. (Photo: AFP)

“Than Shwe has stayed in his Rangoon house since late September where he is receiving medical treatment,” said the source.

No further medical details were given. According to sources inside and outside the country, Than Shwe and his family, accompanied by a team of doctors, are expected to travel to Singapore soon for additional medical consultations or treatment.

The information, however, could not be independently confirmed.

Many people claim Than Shwe, whose official age is given as 75, is closer to 78 or 79.

In January 2007, he and his family went to Singapore for a two-week trip accompanied by the regime’s health minister and Than Shwe’s personal physician, Kyaw Myint, to receive treatment for intestinal cancer.

Than Shwe was in the hospital for about one week. He reportedly rejected advice to undergo surgery for a life-threatening condition, saying he wanted first to consult his chief astrologer.

Rumors have circulated in Burma and abroad that Than Shwe’s health has been deteriorating since January. Many Burmese believe his health problems are caused by bad karma because of his brutal crackdown on peacefully demonstrating monks in September 2007.

His wife, Kyaing Kyaing, has kept a low profile since she and her husband went to vote on May 10 in the constitutional referendum, fueling rumors that she too may be experiencing health problems.