In the early eighteenth century, when the influence of the Burmese Toungoo dynasty waned, Lanna exerted its independence but fragmented into several city-states.

Kawila was the eldest among seven male siblings, who were later known as Chao Chetton (Thai: เจ้าเจ็ดตน) or the Seven Princes,[3] all of whom would later become influential figures in subsequent Lanna history.

Kawila's younger brothers included Khamsom, Thammalangka, Duangthip, Moola, Khamfan and Boonma.

Thado Mindin decided to hold Chaikaew as political hostage in Chiangmai, leaving Kawila in charge of affairs in Lampang on behalf of his father.

As Siam had been devastated by the Maha Thiha Thura's invasion, the Siamese were unable to provide any military aids to northern Lanna cities.

Kawila, along with his father Chaikaew and his younger brothers, also had to evacuate Lampang due to inferior manpower and took refuge down south at Sawankhalok.

After repeated calls, Kawila and Phaya Chaban travelled south to meet the king at Thonburi in 1779.

Kawila was on his campaign to attack Chiangsaen when he learned of the regime change, in which King Rama I ascended the throne and established the Rattanakosin Kingdom in 1782.

[1] King Rama I appointed Kawila as Phraya Wichienprakarn[2] (Thai: พระยาวิเชียรปราการ) the nominal governor of Chiangmai.

Kawila was tasked with the restoration of Chiangmai as the center of Lanna and forefront citadel against Burmese invasions.

As Chiangmai and Nan were abandoned, Lampang stood as the main frontline citadel against Burmese incursions.

Kawila managed to hold the city against Burmese besiegers for two months[2] until the Siamese relief forces under Prince Chakchetsada and Chaophraya Mahasena Pli[8] arrived to rescue Lampang in March 1786.

Thado Mindin the Burmese governor of Chiangsaen fled to Chiangrai where he was captured and sent to Kawila at Lampang.

Prince Sura Singhanat of the Front Palace, brother-in-law of Kawila, personally led the Bangkokian army of around 50,000 to 60,000 men[7] to the north to relieve the siege of Lampang in 1788.

In February 1797,[2] Kawila marched his armies and populace along with his younger brothers from Pasang to enter Chiangmai in an elaborate ritual per Lanna traditions.

Kawila entered Chiangmai through the northern Changphueak Gate with a Lawa man with a dog and carrying a rattan pack in front of him.

Kawila then spent a night laying in front of Wat Chiang Man before entering the palace the next morning.

In 1802, King Bodawpaya appointed a Chinese man from Yunnan Province named Chom Hong[2][8] as the ruler of Mong Hsat.

Bodawpaya declared that Chom Hong of Mong Hsat would rule over the fifty-two towns of Lanna in direct challenge to Kawila.

Kawila then sent his younger brother Thammalangka to seize Mong Hsat in 1802 and Chom Hong was captured.

The ailing Prince Sura Singhanat commanded Kawila to send troops to attack and take the Burmese-held Chiangsaen.

[8] King Rama granted Kawila the seven-tiered white umbrella, signifying the honor equal to the Siamese Crown Prince.

Northern Thai inhabitants of Chiangsaen were deported to many places including Chiangmai where they were settled in the eastern vicinity.

[10] Lanna victory over Chiangsaen allowed it to expand into the northernmost Tai princedoms in the name of Siam.

In 1804, King Rama I ordered the Lanna lords to conduct expeditions onto the northern Tai states of Chiangtung (Kengtung) and Chianghung (Sipsongpanna).

As a trusted ally of the new Siamese monarchy, Kawila was largely left to govern his territories as he pleased.

He promoted the revival of many traditional Lan Na cultural practices, including music, dance, literature and craftsmanship, as well as distinctive regional Buddhist ceremonies.

Kawila left Chiang Mai in June 1815 but his eldest son Noi Suriyawong fell ill and died at Tak.

Kawila reached Bangkok in late June and stayed there where he was given an opportunity to take royal barges on the sea tour of eastern Siamese coastline.