In the early 1400s, Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty focused on expanding into Yunnan. By 1403, he had successfully established military bases in Tengchong and Yongchang, laying the groundwork for exerting influence over the Tai regions. With this expansion, several administrative offices sprouted in Yunnan and its vicinity. However, when the Tai regions showed resistance to Ming dominance, confrontations ensued.

Lan Na, a significant Tai territory, had its power centered around Chiang Rai in the northeast and Chiang Mai in the southwest. The Ming's establishment of two “Military-cum-Civilian Pacification Commissions” in Lan Na highlighted their view of Chiang Rai-Chiang Saen's importance, on par with Chiang Mai.^[15]

The pivotal event occurred on 27 December 1405. Citing Lan Na's purported obstruction of a Ming mission to Assam, the Chinese, supported by allies from Sipsong Panna, Hsenwi, Keng Tung, and Sukhothai, invaded. They managed to capture crucial areas, including Chiang Saen, forcing Lan Na to surrender. In the aftermath, the Ming dynasty placed Chinese clerks in "native offices" across Yunnan and Lan Na to manage administrative tasks and ensure Ming interests. These offices had obligations like providing gold and silver instead of labor and supplying troops for other Ming endeavors. Following this, Chiang Mai emerged as the dominant power in Lan Na, heralding a phase of political unification.^[16]