The proposal was tabled by the National Reform Steering Assembly’s political reform panel. It is expected the proposed plan would benefit “yellow shirt” activists who were involved in past incidents like the seizures of Bangkok airports.

But both political sides agreed that true reconciliation could only be achieved when the truth was discovered through the normal justice system.

“The truth [about who committed crimes] should be sought through the normal legal system. Then, those found guilty must apologise for what they have done,” said Tankhun Jitissara, a Democrat Party politician and former member of the now-defunct yellow shirt group the People’s Democratic Reform Committee.

“After that, the situation can return to normal. But if an apology comes as a result of some negotiation [like the proposal], it would not mean anything.”

Yellow shirt groups led street protests against the previous government in 2013 and 2014. The former MP said he believed both sides of the political spectrum would turn down the potential offer because of condition requiring a lifetime political ban, which would include the right to vote or engage in any political activity.

“The demonstration leaders all accepted their fate since they decided to take this path. The condition forbidding them from holding political activities makes it even more difficult for them to take the offer,” Tankhun explained.

He believes the proposal is the result of the impending constitution referendum, as the regime does not want anything to interfere.

“If we accept that, we cannot make any political move during the run up to the plebiscite,” he said. “And it goes beyond that to, after the election when the power of the current regime could possibly still linger. Once we breach the condition, the punishment is resumed,” he said.

Weng Tojirakarn, a prominent figure in the “red shirt” United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, agreed that normal legal procedures should be followed.

“The truth should be found out via the legal process. And those [protest leaders] who committed crimes must be responsible for what they have done regardless of what the penalties are,” Weng said. He added that ordinary protesters should be granted amnesty unconditionally because they only exercised their constitutional right to freedom of expression.

“Also, it would not make sense if we have to admit to crimes we did not commit. So, finding the truth is the best solution,” the red shirt leader said. Weng also agreed with Tankhun that the ban on political demonstrations was unacceptable.

“Men are political animals. Stopping them from engaging in political activities is the equivalent to executing them,” he said.

Seree Suwanpanont, the head of the political reform committee, told The Nation that the proposal was the result of multiple sessions by the panel. He insisted the panel had no intention to favour any side. Seree plans to discuss the plan with Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam tomorrow.