Army chopper with five on board missing

MAE HONG SON, Aug 14 (TNA) - The army helicopter with five officers on board, including Maj Gen Nopporn Ruanchan, commander of the 4th Infantry Division lost contact on their way back from a flood relief mission in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. Lt Gen Somsak Nilbancherdkul, the 3rd Army commander, said that a UH-72 Lakota helicopter of the 3rd Army was carrying Maj Gen Nopporn, two pilots and two mechanics, on their return to Phisanulok after they completed the flood operation in Pangmapha district in Mae Hong Son. The helicopter lost contact before noon as it was entering Chiang Mai province. Army rangers and local officials are searching for the helicopter as the weather is cloudy. According to the latest report available, there has been no confirmation of an emergency landing. (TNA)