The Naga and the elephant are two important images in Thai art. Naga was the semi-divine sea serpent with multiple heads who lived in the underworld. One key legend has Naga spreading his hood to protect the meditating Buddha from rain. Nagas were especially important to the Khmers, who had a big influence on the Thais. Often (as here) Naga is being swallowed or spewed out by Makara, another mythical sea animal. The elephant was the king's animal, and even today the king has a herd of elephants.