Maung Aye - 080001 ေမာင္ေအး
Deputy Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces
State Peace and Development Council
DOB: 25.12.1937
Maung Aye is also a career soldier and the second most powerful man in the country.
He is believed to have established strong ties with Burma's many drug lords in the Golden Triangle while operating as a colonel in the late 1970s and 80s, before he joined the military leadership in 1993.
He has a reputation for ruthlessness and xenophobia, and is also staunchly opposed to allowing Aung San Suu Kyi any future role.
The Burmese junta's ruthless second-in- command has played an often Machiavellian role in his work with the intelligence service. He is renowned as a hard drinker. Like his superior, Maung Aye is chronically sick: he has suffered from prostate cancer since 2003. Where he differs from Than Shwe is in his dealings with the opposition - he would be more inclined to negotiate with Suu Kyi.
The vice-chairman of the SPDC is not, however, a liberal voice. Maung Aye has a poor human rights record in his dealings with Burmese ethnic groups. There are also rumours about his connections with illegal drugs in Burma's Golden Triangle during the late 1970s and 80s. Despite his age, 69, and poor health, he is unlikely to pass up the chance to succeed Than Shwe.
Background: Hardliner made name during a reign of terror. Close to drug barons of Golden Triangle in Burma, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.
Interests: Drinking heavily.
Lifestyle: Opulent mansions.
Health: Suffers prostate cancer.
Links:
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/8854,features,army-strongmen-who-call-the-shots-in-burma
http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/2008/05/10/no1-no2-no3-the-evil-heart-of-burma-89520-20412846/
A Profile of Burmese Army Commander - General Maung Aye
Maung Aye's Itinerary in India
