Khin Nyunt (11 October 1939-) was Prime Minister of Myanmar from 25 August 2003 to 18 October 2004, succeeding Than Shwe and preceding Soe Win.
Biography[]
Khin Nyunt was born in Kyauktan, British Burma in 1939 to a family of Chinese descent, and he graduated from the Officers' Training School in 1960. In 1983, he was appointed chief of army intelligence, and he was considered to be a protege of Ne Win, who retired in 1988. From 1997 to 2003, he served as Secretary of the State Peace and Development Council which seized power after the failed 8888 Uprising, and he oversaw the arrest, detention, and torture of 10,000 opposition activists. From 2003 to 2004, he served as Prime Minister of Myanmar, and he was known as a moderate pragmatist who recognized the need for talks with the opposition. In 2004, he was forced to retire by the hardliner Than Shwe, who opposed his moves to restore democracy to the country. From 2004 to 2012, he was placed under house arrest by the regime. He then moved to Mayangone Township and opened a coffee shop, a gallery, and a souvenir store in his villa.