The Naga, or the king of snakes, is a srpent like creature with beard and pointed crown. In old text, Naga is the half-brother of the Garuda. Base on mythology, the two had the same father and their mothers were sisters. Nagas are sworn enemies of Garuda due to their mother's conflict.
The Naga is often found in Thai architecture and also frequently portrayed giving comfort and shade to the meditating Buddha, the coils of the great snake acting as a cushion while the many heads function as an umbrella.