Shwe-ing Put For Longer Than You Thought

Than Shwe's health has been the focus of many news reports coming out of Burma this year. But now images are surfacing showing that those reports may have led the public to falsely believe the head of state is in poorer shape than he actually is.

Burma's state media has showed rare photographs of the nation's ageing [sic] junta leader, Than Shwe, as he inspected dams around the country, apparently in a bid to ease concerns about his health. The reclusive senior general is rarely seen in public and almost never shown in official media.

But since the 74-year-old spent 13 days in a Singapore hospital in January, the junta has periodically released pictures of Than Shwe to quell rumours that his health is weakening.

The Shwe family appears to have a lot to be than-kful for this holiday season, even if they are in Laos.

[Radio Australia]
[Mizzima News]