Who Is U Thant? Age, Biography, and Wiki
U Thant was born on January 22, 1909, and served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. He was not only a prominent figure in diplomacy but also an advocate for peace and international cooperation. His tenure is remembered for significant contributions, including initiatives aimed at decolonization and conflict resolution during a tumultuous period in global politics. As of 2025, U Thant would be 116 years old, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire many around the world.
| Occupation | Memoirist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 22, 1909 |
| Age | 65 Years |
| Birth Place | Pantanaw, British Burma (now Myanmar) |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Myanmar |
| Date of death | 25 November, 1974 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
U Thant's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding U Thant's physical attributes, such as height and weight, are not extensively documented. However, he was known to have a dignified presence and a calm demeanor that complemented his role as a world leader. His height was approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), and he maintained a typical weight for his stature in his prime.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
U Thant was married to his wife, Ma Khin, with whom he had three children. Their marriage represented not only a partnership but a shared commitment to humanitarian ideals. As of his later years, while there hasn't been much publicized information on his dating or relationship status aside from his marriage, it is clear that his family played a pivotal role in his life and work.
His father Po Hnit, who had been educated in Calcutta, was the only person in the town who could communicate well in English. He was a founding member of the Burma Research Society and had helped establish The Sun (Thuriya) newspaper in Rangoon.
Although his family members were ethnic Bamars and devout Buddhists, Thant's father, according to Thant Myint-U (U Thant's grandson), had distant ancestors who were "people from both India and China, Buddhists and Muslims, as well as Shans and Mons". He hoped that all his four sons would each earn a degree.
His other sons, Khant, Thaung, and Tin Maung went on to become politicians and scholars.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures regarding U Thant's net worth are not readily available, as a high-ranking official at the United Nations, he earned a substantial salary compared to average incomes. He dedicated much of his earnings to various charitable causes. His legacy transcends financial measures, marking him as a figure more committed to global welfare than personal wealth acquisition.
From the United Nations headquarters in New York where he was laid in state, Thant's body was flown back to Rangoon, but no guard of honour or high-ranking officials were on hand at the airport when the coffin arrived except for U Aung Tun, deputy minister of education, who was subsequently dismissed from office.
On the day of Thant's funeral on 5 December 1974, tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Rangoon to pay their last respects. Thant's coffin was displayed at Rangoon's Kyaikasan race course for a few hours before the scheduled burial.
The coffin of Thant was then snatched by a group of students just before it was scheduled to leave for burial in an ordinary Rangoon cemetery at Kyandaw. The student demonstrators buried Thant on the former grounds of the Rangoon University Students Union (RUSU), which Ne Win had dynamited and destroyed on 8 July 1962.
Career, Business, and Investments
U Thant's career was defined by his public service, particularly his groundbreaking role at the United Nations. His career began in the educational sector in Burma (now Myanmar), where he worked as a teacher and later climbed the ranks to become a significant political figure. Throughout his tenure at the UN, U Thant championed various global initiatives and engaged in discussions that sought to bridge divides between nations. He was deeply involved in efforts to create paths for peaceful negotiations and resolutions, making monumental strides toward international diplomacy in the 20th century.
Thant (22 January 1909 – 25 November 1974), known honorifically as U Thant, was a Burmese diplomat and the third secretary-general of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, the first non-Scandinavian as well as Asian to hold the position. He held the office for a record 10 years and one month.
Social Network
While U Thant was not a contemporary of modern social media platforms, he did engage with his contemporaries through various forums and conferences that were platforms for discussion and debate on global issues. His impact can still be seen today on social networks devoted to international relations, history, and the pursuit of peace.
Education
U Thant received his education primarily in Burma, later attending the University of Yangon, where he excelled in academics. His educational journey laid the groundwork for his future in diplomacy, giving him the tools needed to engage in social and political discourse.
A native of Pantanaw, Thant was educated at the National High School and at Rangoon University. In the days of tense political climate in Burma, he held moderate views positioning himself between fervent nationalists and British loyalists.
He was a close friend of Burma's first Prime Minister U Nu and served in various positions in Nu's cabinet from 1948 to 1961. Thant had a calm and unassuming demeanour that won his colleagues' respect.
Conclusion
As we reflect on U Thant’s life and achievements in 2025, it’s clear that his contributions to global diplomacy and peace are still relevant today. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership, compassion, and the continuous quest for a more peaceful world.
