THE Cambodian Defence Ministry today accused Thailand of bombing the casino hub of Poipet, a major land crossing between the two warring nations.

The ministry said Thai forces had “dropped two bombs” on Poipet, located in the north-west province of Banteay Meanchey on Thursday morning.

Thailand did not immediately comment.

Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said this week that at least four casinos in their country had been hit by Thai air strikes, meaning Thailand was targeting civilians.

Renewed fighting between the south-east Asian neighbours this month has killed at least 21 people in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia. About 800,000 people have been displaced by the fighting, according to local officials.

Authorities in Thailand said on Tuesday that up to 6,000 Thai nationals remain stranded in Poipet after the border crossing was closed by Cambodia.

Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said the border closures were a “necessary measure” to reduce risks to civilians amid the ongoing combat.

A ceasefire deal was brokered between the two sides in July by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Credit for the truce was later claimed by United States President Donald Trump.

Last week Mr Trump said the two sides had agreed to a ceasefire in the latest round of fighting but Bangkok denied any such deal existed and the fighting has continued.