In the 6th year of the reign of Thai King Rama I (20 March 1736 - 7 September 1809); a decision was taken to resettle and revive the city of Chiang Mai as a bastion of Siamese power in the north. The task of re-establishment fell to Chao Kavila; ruler of Lampang; who was established as viceroy of the north at Chiang Mai in 2339 BE / 1796 CE and immediately began the task of resettling and defending the city.

Over the next four years; on Kavila's orders; Chiang Mai's city fortifications were restored and strengthened as a bulwark against frequent attacks from the Burmese. By 2343 BE /1800 CE the main walls and gates enclosing the old city had been rebuilt; and Kavila was able to turn his attention to the rapidly expanding southern and eastern suburbs; located between the old city and the River Ping - an area which today includes the Thapae; Changmoi and Changklan Roads; and which constitutes Chiang Mai's busy financial and commercial centre.

For the defense of this region a high earthen rampart; faced with brick and reinforced in places with brick bastions; was built southwards from Jaeng Ku Ruang; the old city's south-western corner. Curving first to the east and then northwards; these new ramparts encompassed a broad sweep of land between the present Tippanet and Thapae Road areas; before finally swinging north-westwards to rejoin the old city wall at the north-eastern; Sri Phum corner. On the outer side of this new wall; as an additional defense; local streams were redirected to form a moat - in the west; flowing southwards from the old city moat; the waters of the Huai Kaeo; or Emerald Stream; and in the east; flowing southwards to meet them; the waters of the Klong Mae Kha.