Win Ko Ko Latt

Win Ko Ko Latt, born on June 16, 1982, is a prominent Burmese ultranationalist and Buddhist nationalist figure. He is also known by the aliases Thakin Gyi and Thakin Latt, and writes under the pen name Phoe Laung Thee. His career has been largely defined by his activism and leadership within nationalist movements in Myanmar.

Early Life and Education

Win Ko Ko Latt was born in Htantabin Township in the Yangon Region of Myanmar. He pursued higher education, earning a thakhin degree from the University of Distance Education in Yangon.

Career and Activism

Win Ko Ko Latt has been a leading figure in many nationalist protests across Myanmar. He formerly served as the chairman of the Myanmar National Network, an organization closely linked to the Committee for the Protection of Nationality and Religion, itself a faction of the Ma Ba Tha.

A significant event in his public life was his involvement in a protest on July 10, 2017, outside the United States Embassy. Alongside other nationalist leaders and monks, he demonstrated against the embassy's use of the term "Rohingya community," insisting there were no Rohingya in Myanmar and advocating for the phrase "Muslim community in Rakhine State." This protest led to his arrest, along with four other nationalist leaders, and prosecution. Win Ko Ko Latt and his co-defendants were sentenced to six months in Insein Prison.

In the political arena, Win Ko Ko Latt contested a seat in the House of Representatives during the 2015 election for the Pantanaw township constituency in Ayeyarwady Region. However, he was unsuccessful, losing to the National League for Democracy candidate.

Beyond his political and protest activities, Win Ko Ko Latt is an active author. He is also recognized as the Commander in Chief of the Thakin Army, which is described as an armed wing of the Thakin Association. He has gained a reputation for his opposition to "Tarzans," leading to his title "the Lord of all Thakin."