As of the press time, government spokesman Winthai Suvaree said the helicopter was still missing.

The 7th Infantry Division and the 36th Ranger Regiment taskforce had conducted a search and rescue operation after receiving reports that the helicopter with two pilots, two mechanics and one passenger on board had disappeared en route to the northern province of Phitsanulok.

Thossapol Puan-udom, Mae Chaem district chief in Chiang Mai ordered local officials, kamnan and village heads to dispatch search teams.

Chiang Mai Governor Pawin Chamniprasart posted on social media that Thossapol had been contacted by the Mae Hong Son-based Khun Yuam district chief and told contact had been lost with the helicopter while it flew over Khun Yuam and Mae Chaem.