Thailand celebrated her Majesty the Queen's 48th birthday on Wednesday, marked by individual 21-gun royal salutes by the three armed services at noon.
The day is particularly auspicious because it is also the Queen's fourth-cycle birthday anniversary.
The Royal Thai Army celebrated at Sanam Luang, in downtown Bangkok, where the 1st Artillery Battalion, 1st Artillery Regiment, King's Guard was responsible for the 21-gun salute.
The Royal Thai Navy's 21-gun salute was at Wichai Prasit Fort in Bangkok Yai district, with members of the 1st King's Guard Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, the Marine Division of the Naval Infantry Command, firing 21 blank rounds from a 76/40mm artillery piece in tribute to Her Majesty.
The Royal Thai Air Force's 21-gun salute was at the Royal Thai Air Force Aviation Park at Don Muang air base and was performed by members of the King's Guard Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment of the Air Force Civil Affairs Command. (continues below)
In Thailand, a 21-gun salute is strictly restricted to royal birthday celebrations, Coronation Day ceremonies and state visits by monarchs or heads of state.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over Buddhist prayers and alms-giving ceremonies for the Queen at Sanam Luang.
At precisely 7am, Mr Anutin and his wife Thananon Charnvirakul led the religious ceremonies dedicated to making merit in honour of Her Majesty.
The prime minister then led participants in offering alms to 149 Buddhist monks.
Elsewhere in Bangkok and across the country, Thais from all walks of life also gave alms to monks to make merit on the Queen’s birthday.
