In the mid-19th century, Lanna, under the rule of King Kawilorot Suriyawong appointed by King Mongkut in 1856, experienced significant political and economic shifts. The kingdom, known for its vast teak forests, saw burgeoning British interests, especially after their acquisition of Lower Burma in 1852. Lanna lords capitalized on this interest, leasing forest lands to British and Burmese loggers. This timber trade, however, was complicated by the 1855 Bowring Treaty between Siam and Britain, which granted legal rights to British subjects in Siam. The treaty's relevance to Lanna became a point of contention, with King Kawilorot asserting Lanna's autonomy and suggesting a separate agreement with Britain.

Amidst these geopolitical dynamics, Kawilorot was also embroiled in regional conflicts. In 1865, he supported Kolan, a leader from the Shan state of Mawkmai, in his skirmishes against Mongnai by sending war elephants. Yet, this gesture of solidarity was overshadowed by rumors of Kawilorot's diplomatic ties with the Burmese king, straining his relationship with Bangkok.

By 1869, tensions escalated as Kawilorot dispatched forces to Mawkmai due to their refusal to submit to Chiang Mai's authority. In retaliation, Kolan launched attacks on various Lanna towns. The situation culminated in Kawilorot's journey to Bangkok, during which he faced retaliation from Kolan's forces. Tragically, Kawilorot died in 1870 while en route back to Chiang Mai, marking the end of this period for the kingdom.