Former Myanmar strongman Than Shwe hospitalized

An official says the former longtime military ruler of Myanmar, Than Shwe, has been hospitalized with an unspecified illness

BANGKOK -- The former longtime military ruler of Myanmar, Than Shwe, has been hospitalized with an unspecified illness, an official said Wednesday. An employee of the Thaik Chaung military hospital in the capital of Naypyitaw, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of possible reprisals, confirmed that Than Shwe, 88, was being treated under tight security at a VIP section of the facility. Myanmar has been struggling with one of the worst COVID-19 surges in Southeast Asia, and reports have swirled in recent days that the reclusive retired leader may have become infected along with his wife. The hospital source could not confirm Than Shwe's illness or whether his wife was also hospitalized.