Chetthathirat reigned for around a year according to Songtham's wishes conveyed to Okya Sri Vorawong (Thai: ออกญาศรีวรวงศ์) or Phraya Siworawong – an influential royal page.

[2]: 211–214 This proposed succession was objected to by some leaders in the kingdom, including the military minister, Samuha Kalahom Chao Phraya Maha Sena.

Siworawong gained supporters in the government, and even used the services of Yamada Nagamasa the Okya Senaphimuk (Thai: ออกญาเสนาภิมุข).

Upon king Songtham’s death, Chetthathirat took the throne and Siworawong arrested and executed those who had opposed the idea.

This jealously infuriated the king who was attempting to conduct government business, and punished those servants.