At first glance, the series of photos appear to show the Trooping of the Colour in central London; hundreds of soldiers wearing red coats and tall bearskin hats line the streets, saluting to the king in celebration of his birthday.

Many are holding rifles or swords and their chests are adorned with medals. But look a little closer and the buildings, uniforms and faces are unfamiliar.

Instead of Britain, the parade is in balmy Bangkok. Instead of King Charles, the ceremony is in honour of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

After a 16 year hiatus, hundreds of military personnel paraded in Bangkok’s vast Royal Plaza this week to mark the king’s 72nd birthday, the first such ceremony during the monarch’s reign.