[2] Aung Thaung was born on 1 December 1940 in Taungtha Township, Mandalay Division, Burma.
[7] He was also involved in brokering several ceasefire agreements with ethnic rebel groups, but was sidelined from the Burmese government's negotiating team with the Kachin Independence Organization in 2012, citing "health reasons.
[10] His sons are believed to have benefited from a system of economic patronage through Aung Thaung's ability to consolidate government contracts for construction and trade.
[14][15] His son Moe Aung is a Vice Admiral and Chief of Staff of Burmese Navy.
[13] Aung Thaung collapsed on 8 July 2015, following complications from stroke,[4] and was admitted to Naypyidaw General Hospital.