Tourists released endangered green sea turtle hatchlings into the sea during an educational tour about the reptiles in Thailand.

Footage shows the baby turtles being freed before crawling toward the water at the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center in the coastal province Phang Nga on January 17.

Visitors were also able to observe the pools in which the hatchlings are kept while listening to guides explained the life cycle of the species.

Rear Admiral Kanokphon Pimthong, the commander of the Phang Nga Naval Base, said the Sea Turtle Conservation Center was established in 1995 to help preserve the population of sea turtles.

He added conservation efforts have led to more turtles laying eggs around the Phang Nga Naval Base.

He said: 'Over time, the centre has become a popular tourist destination, attracting both Thai and foreign visitors, as well as students interested in learning about sea turtle conservation.'

Green sea turtles are large marine reptiles recognised for their unique green skin and fat. They are herbivores that feed primarily on seagrasses and algae, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.

However, they are classified as endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to human activity such as poaching, egg harvesting, and pollution.