PHUKET: Kathu police station, which oversees the busy Phuket west coast holiday capital of Patong, has won the annual award for being the best police station in Southern Region 8.

The announcement was made as part of Royal Thai Police Day yesterday, prompting Kathu Police Station Superintendent Colonel Arayapan Pukbuakao to say: ''We know we are not 100 percent perfect, but we try hard.''

Patong, with its mix of international visitors, Phuket residents, illegal immigrants, katoey ladyboys, nightlife, resorts and problems of different kinds, is a heady mix for any police force.

''We do what we can, case by case,'' Colonel Arayapan said. ''Drugs, safety, and traffic are high on our list of priorities. It's also important to have the right police officer in the right role.''

The award came as Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong marked the annual police day by exhorting Phuket police to serve Phuket residents and visitors well.

''Maintaining stability is our role,'' he said, ''and we need to never think that police officers are above the law. ''Stay strong, and don't be selfish.''

Police officers should always be attentive, speak politely and uphold the law no matter what, he said.

''We can't beat the people who produce and sell drugs alone,'' he said. ''We have to cooperate with everyone. Being fair and honest is essential.''