Heavy fighting has erupted again along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes and deepening fears of a protracted conflict.

Residents in affected Thai provinces were ordered to evacuate after artillery exchanges, airstrikes and ground engagements shattered a fragile ceasefire that had temporarily eased tensions.

The renewed hostilities have driven over half a million people across both countries into makeshift shelters such as temples, schools and community centres, where families confront acute uncertainty about their future and access to basic needs.

“It’s not going to end,” one evacuee said, capturing the widespread anxiety as prospects for lasting peace dim.

The violence, which has seen dozens killed and scores injured, follows the breakdown of a peace agreement signed in October in Kuala Lumpur that was intended to stabilise the long-running territorial dispute, particularly around the Preah Vihear temple region.

That accord, witnessed by international mediators and former U.S. President Donald Trump, had brought a temporary cessation of hostilities but collapsed after fresh clashes erupted earlier this month.

Both governments have accused the other of breaching the ceasefire, with Thailand’s military conducting air operations against Cambodian positions and Cambodia alleging incursions and heavy weapon use by Thai forces.

Thailand has stated that the clashes were triggered by attacks on its troops, while Cambodian authorities maintain their forces were responding to provocations.

Evacuees on the Thai side describe long queues of villagers leaving under tense conditions, carrying minimal belongings as the sounds of gunfire and explosions echoed nearby.

Many families have exhausted their savings and face struggling local economies that have been disrupted by repeated displacements.

Some residents express scepticism about external diplomatic efforts, stressing that previous rounds of dialogue failed to deliver lasting calm.

Political developments in Thailand, including the recent dissolution of parliament and a call for early elections by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, have further complicated the climate for negotiations.

Officials have pledged to defend Thai sovereignty amid nationalist sentiment, even as regional partners and international observers call for renewed dialogue and humanitarian assistance.

The scale of displacement, logistical challenges in evacuation centres and rising food and shelter needs highlight the deepening humanitarian dimension of the crisis, with many civilians uncertain when, or if, they will be able to return home.