Min Thein Kha, the brilliant creator of the sleuth 'Surveillance Hnin Maung,' passed away at the age of 70 today (1st August 2008). Born Maung Aung Tun, he wrote under the pseudonym Min Thein Kha since 1976. He wrote about a hundred novels and numerous short stories of which Manusari, Punna Ba Kun and Sanay Maung Maung were very popular among his readers.

Although he belonged primarily to the world of the letters, his talent was multifaceted. In addition to being a prominent writer, he was a good orator and a famous astrologer of Burma. He started his career in astrology in 1976 in Taungyi of Shan State. In 1978 he introduced astrology to Rangoon, teaching the nuances of the discipline to his disciples and students in Mayanthalin compound in Hmawbi Township until his death.

Born on 25th June 1939 to the painter U San Shein and Daw Tin Tin, Min Thein Kha was the eldest of seven siblings. He studied at St. Paul's High School and obtained his matriculation degree from AV College. In 1958 he joined the army and served for five years. He was then known as Sgt. Aung Tun. Thereafter, he led a checkered career, working as night a watchman at a cooking oil mill, as a paddy inspector and as rice mill manager. He was awarded the Ph. D by the University of Calcutta for his thesis "The destiny of 122 Burmese Kings". He is survived by a son.

But even a man of his stature was not spared criticism and attack from the junta. In 1988 he was imprisoned for leading the 88 uprising. After his release, he concentrated on astrology. Since then, astrology dominated his writings. On the midnight of 25th March 1997 he started a nationwide tour propounding the virtues of occultism. The tour continued for three years.

His funeral will be held at Yeway cemetery, Rangoon on 5th August.