About

The European Commission has launched a call for proposals aimed at strengthening democratic governance, protecting human rights, and promoting inclusive participation in Thailand.

The global objective of this call is to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy in Thailand, with a focus on strengthening democratic governance, inclusive participation, and the rule of law, while promoting the well-being and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable and marginalised groups, while the specific objective is to strengthen democratic governance and promote the realisation of fundamental rights in Thailand, with priorities including the promotion of democratic governance and inclusive participation by expanding democratic space and empowering youth, women, and marginalised groups, as well as the promotion and protection of fundamental rights in areas such as environmental governance, labour rights, decent work, business and human rights, women’s rights, and the impact of new technologies on human rights.

Thailand has recently demonstrated progress in promoting and protecting human rights through key legislative and institutional developments. The adoption of the Marriage Equality Act has strengthened protections for LGBTQ+ persons, while the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act reflects alignment with international human rights standards. The country’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2025–2026 term and ongoing collaboration with international partners further signal a commitment to advancing reforms and strengthening the national human rights framework.

Despite these advancements, civil society organisations in Thailand continue to face significant challenges, including limited operational space and restricted access to funding. These constraints reduce their ability to effectively contribute to governance, development processes, and poverty reduction. International assessments highlight concerns regarding civic freedoms, with Thailand receiving low ratings in global indices related to political rights, civil liberties, and press freedom.

This call for proposals is aligned with the European Union Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020–2027, which focuses on protecting individuals, building inclusive societies, promoting global human rights systems, addressing technological challenges, and strengthening partnerships. Through this initiative, the European Union aims to support civil society organisations in addressing existing challenges and fostering a more enabling environment for human rights advocacy and democratic participation in Thailand.

The total indicative budget available under this call is EUR 1,000,000, with individual grants fixed at EUR 500,000. Grants will cover between 80% and 90% of the total eligible project costs, with the remaining balance to be financed by other sources.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be non-profit civil society organisations that are legally established in a European Union Member State, Thailand, or another country, and must take direct responsibility for the design and implementation of the proposed action. Projects may be implemented individually or in partnership with co-applicants and affiliated entities.

Proposed actions must be implemented within Thailand and have a duration ranging from 24 to 36 months. Each action should consist of a coherent set of activities aligned with the priorities outlined in the call.

Post Date: April 06, 2026