Born on 16 October 1895 of the British Raj,[note 1] Shwe Thaik was educated at the Shan Chiefs School in Taunggyi.

In September 1927, he was chosen as successor to his uncle as saopha of Yawnghwe by the Federated Shan States' Council of Ministers.

Sao Shwe Thaik became the president of the Union of Burma on 4 January 1948 at its independence, served as the head of state until 16 March 1952.

To his credit, he didn't serve up the previous year's menu of brave words and high purpose.

[4] In the military coup of March 1962 he was arrested by the Union Revolutionary Council headed by General Ne Win and died in prison in November 1962.