Rescuers have found 10 of the 31 missing members of the crew of HTMS Sukhothai, which sank in a storm on Sunday night, but one of them died.

Planes and helicopters joined boats in the search for the missing crew, all believed to be afloat in the stormy sea wearing life jackets.

HTMS Sukhothai sank off Prachuap Khiri Khan about 11.30pm on Sunday, a navy spokesman said.

The ship was on patrol about 20 nautical miles offshore from Bang Saphan district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. It was hit by high waves during the storm.

HTMS Sukhothai suffered a power blackout. The main engine stopped functioning and the ship went out of control. More water flowed into the ship, which continued to list.

The navy launched an immediate rescue.

The first helicopter arrived and began rescuing crew members from the sinking ship and from the sea. HTMS Sukhothai finally sank about 11.30pm. 

A report issued by the navy at 7am on Monday said 78 the 106 crew of HTMS Sukhothai had been brought to Bang Saphan in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Three of them were seriously injured. The rest had not yet arrived.

Ten of the mssing sailors were found by the crew of a patrol boat, which was taking part in the air and sea search and rescue operation, the 12.40pm bulletin said.

All were reported to be suffering from exhaustion. One them had died.