NUG’s military wing claims responsibility for attack on junta-appointed Myanmar Central Bank executive

The Yangon Region Military Command of the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) confirmed that they were behind the shooting of the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar on Thursday morning. 

Than Than Swe, 55, was shot in her home at Shwegon Yeik Mon Residence in Yangon’s Bahan Township, according to a statement by the command. The NUG did not provide further comment on the incident. 

Junta information officer Gen Zaw Min Tun told international media on Thursday afternoon that the deputy governor was not seriously wounded and was undergoing treatment at a military hospital. 

At the time of reporting, Myanmar Now was not able to independently verify the extent of Than Than Swe’s injuries, or whether she had survived the attack.

Although local administrators under the military council have been repeatedly targeted for assassination by groups in the resistance movement, Than Than Swe is the highest-level individual to be attacked in this manner since the coup. 

Having previously served as a director general within the Central Bank, Than Than Swe took on the position of deputy governor days after the coup on February 1, 2021, as opposition to the military’s attempted seizure of power took hold nationwide. 

The bank has since come under fire for collaborating with the junta, which has issued directives making it increasingly difficult for Myanmar civilians to access their own money. 

On Sunday, the Central Bank published an order demanding that members of the public exchange foreign currencies to kyat within one day of receiving such funds. The Japanese and Singaporean embassies in Yangon responded with statements asking the military council to reconsider the move. 

The junta’s commerce ministry was also recently criticised by business owners after announcing new regulations requiring company directors to personally submit requests to exchange kyat to foreign currencies. 

Analysts speculate that the junta is using the orders to hold onto hard currency amid a devaluing kyat and the funding needs associated with the ongoing fight against resistance forces.