The temple complex of Wat Phra Kaew (Thai: ) is located on Thanon Trairat in Tambon Wiang, Mueang district, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.Wat Phra Kaew was appointed the First Royal Temple of Chiang Rai on 31 May 1978 (B.E. 2521).The founding of what is now known as Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai is obscure. The temple was known as Wat Pa Yeah ( or ), the Temple in the Golden Bamboo Forest, because it was in fact surrounded by this beautiful, useful bamboo. Its names was changed to Wat Phra Kaew in 1434 (B.E. 1977) after its chedi was struck by lightning revealing the Phra Kaew Marakot within.