Footage shows a rescue helicopter searching the Thai coastline today for missing sailors from the navy warship HTMS Sukothai which sank on Sunday.

Officials are focusing on Chumphon province, where they believe ocean currents and prevailing winds will have washed the 23 seamen who remain missing.

The HTMS Sukhothai was carrying 105 military personnel to a ceremonial event when water entered its hull and splashed into the electrical system some 20 nautical miles off the Bang Saphan district in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on December 18 evening.

The leakage disrupted the vessel's controls and power supply leading to a blackout before the ship tilted 60 degrees to starboard and more water flooded in.

Six of the crew have been found dead, 76 have been rescued and 23 remain missing.

Bungling naval chiefs have since admitted that there were not enough life vests on the ship for all the people onboard.

Records show that HTMS Sukhothai was built by Tacoma Boatbuilding Company, in Tacoma, Washington. It was commissioned in 1987 and had been operational for almost 36 years with air defence, sea combat and anti-submarine capabilities.

Thailand is notorious for its corruption, cover-ups and disturbing disregard for health and safety.