Historic Building: Re-construction of Theinni Haw Palace inspected

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party inspected the re-construction of grand Haw Palace (Haw Kunshanwi) of Theinni Chieftain Hkun Hsang Ton Hong on 9th April.

The officials reported on work undertakings and progress and future plans. The Prime Minister stressed the needs to study the historical evidence for re-construction works so as to meet the original design.

He also instructed to arrange for interior decoration including the display of documentary photos, record books and historic utensils. Renovation of historic buildings and religious edifices without damaging the original designs could help expose the long history of the country as well as contribute the socio-economic development of local people.

The Prime Minister and party later inspected the progress of construction works. Theinni Chieftain Hkun Hsang Ton Hong with title of  Dathadhammaraza Nigyawda Maha Minkhaung started construction of a new grand Theinni Haw Palace in 1910.

The Haw Palace in design of Mandalay Royal Palace was built of teak timber, and the main structure comprised many buildings connected with each other. The conference hall was located in the centre of Haw Palace, along with a throne, laid on the ground.

The Chieftain passed away in heart attack after 33 year of ruling period in 1916. The Japanese air force operated bombing attacks on northern Shan State in 1937, and totally occupied Theinni in 1940.

In 1944, the US military aircrafts destroyed Theinni-Namtu creek bridge with bombing attacks and also bombed Theinni which left many damages including the Haw Palace of Theinni Chieftain Hkun Hsang Ton Hong.

The re-construction of Haw Palace was initiated on 5th December 2019 under the guidance of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. The new Haw Palace hase been built, 63 feet left side of the site of old Palace, and about 70% of construction works have completed so far.

Upon completion, it will be designated as Haw Palace Museum for historical study and tourism development in the region. The Prime Minster later met with the departmental personnel and townselders, and discussed for promoting agriculture and livestock sectors and development of Theinni area.

The Prime Minister and party later visited Thiri Mingala Manhsu Shan Monastery and paid respect to the residing Sayadaw. They also donated day meal to the Sayadaw and 100 members of Sangha who are learning religious scriptures at the monastery.