From Thonburi period to Rattanakosin period, Garuda has been used as a symbol of Thailand Monarch. During the reign of King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI), His Majesty ordered that Garuda was adopted as the national emblem. Since then Garuda has become the national emblem until the present day. In religious context, Garuda is a symbol that appears in architecture and other artworks.
For example, Garuda with Vishnu on his neck holding Naga is carved on the wood pediment of the Ordination Hall of Wat Ratcha Sittharam in Bangkok; Garuda holding Naga as the decorations at the base of the Chapel of the Temple of Emerald Buddha, at the finial base of Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, and at the base of Rachentrayan Royal Palanquin.
The depiction of Garuda is also seen on the mural at Phutthaisawan Chapel Hall in the Bowon Sathan Mongkol Palace (the Front Palace).
In Thailand Garuda has been considered important for 1,500 years. However, each passing day beliefs have changed until Garuda is finally deemed the vahana of the god who preserve religious places and Garuda himself is also the preserver of those places.