According to military sources in Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing has issued orders to reclaim land plots from the Sein Ta Lone Mango Agricultural Zone, a project originally implemented by former dictator Than Shwe. This project was established in 2010, following the founding of Naypyidaw as the new capital in 2006. The agricultural zone was divided into two zones, with Zone 1 containing over 500 acres allocated to Than Shwe’s family.
During its establishment, top military leaders of that time, including Shwe Mann, Thein Sein, Thay Oo, and Soe Naing, along with other former generals and ministers, were allocated plots ranging from a minimum of 50 acres to hundreds of acres. Zone 1 was established across Dekkhinathiri, Ottarathiri, Lewe, and Pyinmana townships in Naypyidaw, while Zone 2 was established in Yamethin and Pyawbwe townships. Notably, Than Shwe’s plots continue to regularly produce Sein Ta Lone mangoes, with annual contracts being sold for a minimum of 25 million kyats under a lump-sum system.
Min Aung Hlaing’s land reclamation, citing the absence of mango cultivation as justification, has affected numerous former military officials, including former General Thay Oo, former USDP Chairman Than Htay, and former Brigadier General Maung Maung Thein. However, the land plots owned by Than Shwe were notably excluded from this reclamation. These plots continue to be managed by his former personal staff officer, General Nay Win, and others. The land reclamation was executed under the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law, as amended in 2018. When the agricultural zones were first established in Naypyidaw, the land plots had minimal value, but they have since appreciated significantly, with current values reaching hundreds of millions of kyats, suggesting potential economic motivations behind the recent reclamations.
