NONE of 26 security cameras in Patong work, the police chief of Region 8, Major General Pithak Jarusombat, told a gathering of Phuket's community administrators and interest groups today.

The conference of about 400 representatives from various groups, including volunteer police, tuk-tuk drivers, taxi drivers and local communities, was an initiative of the new Kathu/Patong police superintendent, Colonel Arayapan Pukbuakao.

While the potential for terrorist activities was part of the seminar in an overcrowded room at Patong Hospital, the main thrust was on the continuing safety of residents and tourists.

Visitors may come to Phuket because of good beaches and good weather, Major General Pithak said, but the prime reason was because the island was considered a safe destination.

And he admitted that the island's police force of 1100 officers was inadequate for Phuket's population.

As a result, Phuket needed the support of the governor's ''1000 eyes of the pineapple'' and other volunteer groups, along with local administrators.

To contract for security cameras that do not work, Major General Pithak said, was a failure to understand the community's needs.

He said a much more sensible policy would be to pay not just for the cameras but also for their maintenance.

The regular seminars are expected to continue to convey more information to the groups about security and safety on Phuket.