East Entrance

Wat Phra Kaeo, Bangkok

Phra Kaeo (or Kaew), the temple complex that houses the Emerald Buddha, is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok (map). It was built by Rama I in 1782, when he built his capitol at Bangkok. Colossal guardians flank the east entrances, overlooking the interior of the complex – an unusual placement, which may suggest protecting the temple from internal disturbance rather than from external dangers.