Than Shwe learning how to use an iPad. PHOTO/FACEBOOK/NAY SHWE THWAY AUNG
The strongman who ruled Myanmar for almost two decades was pictured learning how to use a pink iPad in a Facebook post that quickly went viral on Thursday.
In the undated photo, posted by the ex-leader’s grandson Nay Shwe, Senior General Than Shwe (retired), the man whose regime squashed the Saffron Revolution in 2007, was seen closely studying the device with the help of a child. It is captioned “General Than Shwe and his Ipad [sic] trainer.”
The photo was liked 2,517 times and counting as of early Thursday evening.
Than Shwe was head of the State Peace and Development Council, but left the government in 2011 when Thein Sein was anointed to lead the transition to civilian rule. Still, many believe he retains influence.
It’s unclear why the notoriously secretive former strongman would pop up on one of the world’s most popular social networks. But some speculate that rumors about his bad health may have prompted the alive-and-well image.
This isn’t the first grandson of a former military leader to make waves online in recent days. Earlier this week, the grandson of former General Ne Win, who took power in a 1962 coup, posted images of himself and others at a birthday party in the Secretariat building, which is closed to the public.
