In 1988, Phyo Min Thein was a second year physics major at the Botahtaung campus of Yangon University when the 8888 Uprising began, and he became the secretary of the Thanlyin Township All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABSFU).

[1][2][3] He was elected for a parliamentary seat in the lower house (Pyithu Hluttaw)'s Hlegu constituency in the 2012 by-elections, representing the National League for Democracy.

His decision to restrict the 2016 Burmese New Year Water Festival pandals in Yangon soon after he took office as Chief Minister was challenged by several people.

[7][8] In May 2016, he made hard line decisions to suspend around 70 high-rise construction projects and tightening regulations against drinking establishments.

However, YBS amid criticism of being ill-equipped to serve commuters, shortage of buses, the misconduct of bus staff, and constant violations of traffic rules.

[14] It was reported that the loan was sought at the Phyo Min Thein's recommendation,[14] and that the local bank was preparing to sue the YBS consortium for violating its payment deadline.

[16][17] The military regime released Phyo Min Thein with a fine of 100,000 MMK ($40 USD) for electoral fraud, in exchange for testifying against Aung San Suu Kyi in a corruption case.