Shwe Mann, the current regional commander, who is widely tipped to follow the Than Shwe trajectory.

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Than Shwe commuted it to a year and a half of house arrest.

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Then there was the emergence of Thein Sein, a former general who became the new president in March 2011, succeeding the hardline General Than Shwe.

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In January, 2011, Than Shwe anointed a successor, General Thein Sein.

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Maung Aye, who is regarded as Than Shwe's heir apparent, was to officiate at the ceremony and I had hoped I might meet him and arrange an interview.

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But Than Shwe, head of the ruling junta, was unavailable.

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One visiting foreign minister has reported that Mr Thein Sein told him last year that it was ages since he had spoken to General Than Shwe (who was presumed still to be pulling the strings).

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