U Thein Sein is a Burmese politician and former military officer who served as the 8th President of Myanmar (Burma) from March 2011 to March 2016. His presidency marked a significant period in Myanmar’s political history, as the country began transitioning from decades of military rule to a more civilian-led government. Here’s an overview of his life and career:

Early Life and Military Career

• Birth and Education: Thein Sein was born on April 20, 1945, in Kyonku, a small village in the Irrawaddy Delta region of British Burma. He graduated from the Defence Services Academy in 1968.
• Military Service: Thein Sein joined the Burmese Army and rose through the ranks over several decades. His military career saw him involved in various operations, including counter-insurgency campaigns against ethnic minority groups and other internal security roles. He eventually attained the rank of General.

Political Career

• Early Political Roles: U Thein Sein entered politics in the late 1980s. After the 1988 pro-democracy uprising and subsequent military coup, he aligned with the ruling military junta. In the 1990s, he held various administrative and governmental roles.
• Prime Minister of Myanmar: In 2007, he was appointed as the Prime Minister of Myanmar by the ruling junta. As Prime Minister, he was seen as a moderate and a trusted confidant of Senior General Than Shwe, the head of the military junta at that time.
• Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP): In 2010, ahead of Myanmar’s first general election in 20 years, Thein Sein resigned from the military and led the USDP, a military-backed political party.

Presidency (2011–2016)

• Assumption of Office: After the 2010 elections, widely criticized for being neither free nor fair, U Thein Sein was elected by the Union Parliament as President of Myanmar in March 2011. His presidency was notable for initiating political and economic reforms in Myanmar.
• Reforms: During his tenure, Thein Sein introduced several significant reforms:
  • Political Reforms: He released numerous political prisoners, eased restrictions on the press and freedom of speech, and allowed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), to participate in the 2012 by-elections.
  • Economic Reforms: His government sought to modernize the economy, attracting foreign investment, loosening state control over various industries, and reducing censorship.
  • Peace Process: Thein Sein initiated peace talks with various ethnic armed groups, aiming to end decades-long civil conflicts within the country. Although not all efforts succeeded, some ceasefires were achieved.
• International Relations: His government improved relations with Western countries, leading to the lifting of many international sanctions. This shift helped Myanmar re-engage with the global community after years of isolation.

Post-Presidency

• Stepping Down: U Thein Sein stepped down from the presidency in March 2016, handing over power to Htin Kyaw, a close ally of Aung San Suu Kyi, after the NLD’s decisive victory in the 2015 general elections.
• USDP Leadership: After leaving office, Thein Sein continued to be involved in politics and briefly served as chairman of the USDP. He retired from active politics in 2018 but remains a significant figure in Myanmar’s political landscape.

Legacy

U Thein Sein is often credited with being the architect of Myanmar’s initial transition from military rule to a more open and democratic system. His presidency marked the beginning of Myanmar’s transformation, though the subsequent political landscape has been complex, with ongoing challenges related to ethnic conflicts, human rights issues, and democratic governance.

Personal Life

U Thein Sein is married to Khin Khin Win, and they have three daughters. Known for his modest and humble demeanor, Thein Sein has kept a relatively low profile compared to other leaders. His approach to reform and governance was seen as pragmatic, aiming to balance the interests of the military and the growing demand for democracy.