Although the historical Buddha Sakyamuni was initially represented by a symbol, such as a footprint (Phra Phutthabat), Dharma wheel, or Bodhi tree, he was later depicted as a man sitting, standing, reclining or walking. Buddha statues are a reminder to be mindful.
Many of Thailand's most famous Buddha statues are in the capital, Bangkok. The Wat Pho Reclining Buddha is one of the kingdom's largest, the Wat Bowonniwet Reclining Buddha is the most beautiful of its type, and the Wat Phra Kaew Emerald Buddha is the most sacred.