Sao Shwe Thaik

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Sao Shwe Thaik
Sao Shwe Thaik

In office
January 4, 1948 – 1952
Preceded by none (independence of Burma)
Succeeded by Ba U

Born 1896
Yaunghwe,Shan State,
Died November 21, 1962
Rangoon,Rangoon Division,
Spouse Sao Hearn Hkam, Daw Mya Win, Daw Nyunt May
Religion Buddhist

Agga Maha Thray Sithu Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Sao Shwe Thaik (1896-1962) was the first president of the Union of Burma (now Myanmar) and the last Saopha of Yawnghwe. He was a well-respected Shan political figure in Myanmar. His full ritual style was Kambawsarahta Thiri Pawaramahawuntha Thudamaraza.

He was educated at the Shan Chiefs School in Taunggyi. He then entered the British military service during World War I, and also served in the Northeast Frontier Service from 1920-1923. He became saopha on the death of his father, Sao Maung in 1929. He again served in the military service from 1939 to 1942. He married five times, the best known wife was Sao Hearn Hkam, sister of the saopha of Hsenwi. He had a total of ten children.

He became the president of the Union of Burma on January 4, 1948 at its independence. He served as the head of state of Burma between 1948 and 1952. After this term as president, he was the chairman of the chamber of nationalities until 1962. In the military coup of March 1962 he was arrested by the Revolutionary Council headed by General Ne Win and died in prison in November 1962. One of his sons, a 17 year old at that time, was killed in the March 1962 military coup, apparently the only casualty on the day of the coup.

His residence in Yawnghwe, the haw, is now a museum, and is open to the public.

Preceded by:
Sir Saw Maung
Saopha of Yawnghwe Succeeded by:
Title Abolished

[edit] References

  • The Union of Burma: A Study of the First Years of Independence By Hugh Tickner. New York: Oxford University Press, 1957. xiv, 424. Maps, Bibliography at page 24

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