Hearn Kham, Sao Nang

   (1915-2003)

   Mahadevi (chief queen) of the Shan State of Yawnghwe, prominent member of parliament, and leader of a Shan (Tai) insurgent movement during the 1960s. The daughter of the formidable Khunsang Ton-Huung of Hsenwi, she married Sao Shwe Taik, Sawbwa of Yawnghwe, in 1937 and was Burma's first lady when her husband served as president of the Union from 1948 to 1952. As a member of parliament during the mid-1950s, she strongly advocated Shan interests. She was overseas when Ne Win seized power and closed down parliamentary government on March 2, 1962, and imprisoned her husband. She returned to Burma following his death in November 1962, and the following year escaped with her five children to Thailand, where she became chairperson of the War Council of the original Shan State Army. She held that post until 1969, when she emigrated to Canada.