epaselect Thai students release sea turtles into the sea to celebrate the upcoming 65th birthday of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, at the Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi province, Thailand, 26 July 2017. One thousand and sixty-six endangered species sea turtles, mostly green turtles and hawksbill sea turtles, were released into the sea as part of the conservation center's mission aimed to help preserve the habitats of sea turtles, their precious eggs, ocean environment and aquatic animals, and this year to also celebrate Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun 65th birthday on 28 July 2017. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT 
They hatched on three beaches across the tropical Southeast Asian country, according to the National Parks Board, which oversees parks and nature reserves.
Over 100 turtles hatched on Sentosa Island, a popular tourist destination, according to the organisation that manages the island. After their nest was discovered in July, a barrier was erected around the site to protect it from monitor lizards and crabs
It was the fourth time since 1996 that eggs of the critically endangered turtles have hatched on Sentosa.
The other turtle nests were discovered at a beach on the east coast and on Satumu island south of the Singapore mainland, the parks board said. A total of 321 turtles hatched over a 10-day period from September 15.
Hawksbills get their names from their narrow pointed beaks and are found throughout the world's tropical oceans, mainly around coral reefs.
They are threatened by damage to their natural habitats from pollution and coastal developments, and are also targeted by poachers.
Their body parts are used to make turtle soup and their shells are crushed into powder for use in jelly dessert. The Hawksbill shell is also used to make products like combs and ornamental hairpins.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the turtles as critically endangered. DM