Buddha at Wat Mahathat, Sukothai. This temple complex was fortified, being surrounded by both a wall and moat. It served as the center of the ancient Siam capital of Sukothai and served as the king's temple and symbol of power. It contained nearly 200 chedis, ten viharns (religious assembly halls) and many other structures. Sukothai was founded in 1238 when two Thai generals joined forces and drove out the Khmers, thus beginning what we now know as Thailand.