Myanmar’s junta dismisses Deputy Energy Minister amid corruption and dollar speculation probe

Mizzima

Myanmar’s military junta has removed its Deputy Minister for Energy, U Thant Sin, from his post, according to state-controlled newspapers published on Wednesday, 26 November, though no official reason was given for the dismissal.

The removal follows earlier reports that U Thant Sin and other senior officials and businessmen had been summoned for questioning over alleged dollar speculation and corruption linked to the country’s crucial fuel imports.

U Thant Sin was appointed to the position in October 2023. He also served as the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the Import, Storage and Distribution of Fuel Oil.

His appointment came after the committee’s prior iteration was disbanded following the arrests and prosecution of the former Deputy Minister for Commerce and Committee Chairman U Nyunt Aung, and former Brigadier General Yan Naung Soe, the Committee’s Vice Chairman, on corruption-related charges.

The lack of explanation for U Thant Sin’s removal mirrors the opacity surrounding the military’s internal affairs. Reshuffles have often followed crackdowns on corruption within the military’s economic management structures.

In a separate development that has not been officially confirmed by the junta, local media reported on 25 November that Air Force Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Zaw Win Myint had also been removed and replaced by Major General Tun Win, Commander of the Western Air Force Command.