Hundreds of Thai schoolchildren and naval officers sent 1,066 turtles scuttling into the sea on Wednesday in a ceremony aimed at bringing good fortune and long life to the new King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who turns to 65 on Friday.

The sea turtles, seen as symbols of longevity, waddled into the waves off Sattahip naval base in Chonburi Province. Many Thai Buddhist views that freeing captive animals such as turtles or birds is a way to accrue good karma. 

(Source: AFP)