A stray dog usurped a military march by joining the front of the formation.

The pooch named Lizard saw the military students doing a send-off for the holiday break and scampered up top to lead the parade walking in front of the Military Preparatory School in Nakhon Nayok province, Thailand.

Footage shows Lizard looking back at the troops before ambling forward and seemingly copying their speed.

Lizard would turn to face them occasionally, making sure that the formation followed him.

Amused mum Tipaporn Khummee, who was at the school for her son, said: ‘The students looked cool because they were so disciplined and didn't laugh at the dog. While the dog was very cute and thought he was leading the march.'

Military schools are popular and prevalent in Thailand, as military service is mandatory for most able-bodied men.