The Khmer Renaissance in Ayutthay in mid-17th century of Post Angkor Period King Prasat Thong was usurper to the throne, so he needed to establish his legitimacy as a holy ruler in the Buddhist kingdom, especially since the Siamese millennial year was approaching and many prophesies predicted the obliteration of Ayutthaya. He proclaimed himself as Khmer, just like the Khmer Kings who came before him, he launched a massive campaign of temple construction and restoration. Wat Chai Watthanaram was the greatest of these projects. It is believed that Prasat Thong employed the Khmer-style in allusion to the kingdom's glorious past. Some scholars also suggest that he may have been involved with renewed military expeditions into Angkor (Kingdom of Longvek), either as king or in the form of defensive minister (kalahom) under King Songtham. However, this theory is unclear. The Royal Chronicles only states that he sent skilled artisans to copy their temples and bring back plans (Cushman 216). During the time of King Narai, the great his successor relocated his palace to Lavo, the other Khmer city near Ayutthaya.