[3] The general began his military career as one of the sixty eight elite commanders chosen by King Alaungpaya in 1752.
Luang Prabang resisted but Thihapate's forces easily captured the city in March 1765, giving the Burmese complete control of Siam's entire northern border.
Around March 1767, Maha Nawrahta died of illness, and Ne Myo Thihapate became the commander-of-chief of the entire operations.
In early 1773, Ne Myo Thihapate was posted with a sizable army at Chiang Mai.
King Hsinbyushin had wanted to renew the war with Siam but he was hamstrung by the Chinese threat up north.
His army captured Chiang Mai but faced tough resistance from the Siamese forces.
However, because of his good performance in the war, he was honored with a new upgraded title Ne Myo Thenapati, and given the office of Wungyi (minister) by King Singu.