A STREET poll of people's opinions on the closure of brothels was taken by the Post. These are the results.

Street vendor Sok Kheun, 52, said: "I am very happy when the brothels in Tuol Kork were shut down. We can not bear seeing the prostitutes stand waving at the people along the road."

Traffic policemen Ek Pitou said that while it was impossible to eliminate prostitution he agreed with the government measure because it looked very bad if the country allowed brothels to operate in the open.

Ministry of Planning worker Seng Seun said he thought it was a good idea to shut down the brothels.

But he thought the government should take over the running of the prostitution industry and make a lot of money from foreigners because the prostitutes were very cheap here relative to developed countries.

Gnem Sokun, 22, said: "I feel happy because I think if this country still has brothels there will be Aids in Cambodia."

High School student Chea Kheng, 20, said: "I think prostitution is not good especially because it effects Khmer girls who used to have very good customs. I think what the government has done is right."

Moto taxi driver Chan Thy, 32, said; "We are proud that at a time when our neighboring countries have many prostitutes the government is trying to shut down the brothels which provoke social anarchy."

Koeung Dale, 28, said he disagreed with the government's decision because the prostitutes were very poorly educated and would not be able to earn a living after the closure of the brothels.

He added: "I don't think this measure will last a long time because the prostitutes .. are happy to earn money from having sexual intercourse with the playboys or happy men."