Seree Suwanpanont, chairman of the National Reform Steering Assembly’s political reform committee, said the move was originally aimed at reducing conflict after renewed attempts to give amnesty were met with strong public resistance.

He said politicians should offer suggestions if they disapprove of the measures to deal with people awaiting punishment.

“If they have to go to jail in the future, they will think of me. I have consulted many parties but if too many people disagree with the measure, this can be ended,” he said.

He said lawmakers were trying to find legal venues that would not go against public feelings.

“For instance, people who face prosecution and confess may be released. Leaders may have to continue fighting charges. But then opponents of the measure are trying to link this measure with amnesty, and causing adverse public sentiment,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan had commented that this measure might cause disturbances and might not bring about reconciliation.

Seree called on opponents of the measure to have understanding and compassion for the poor who had to fight charges and shoulder the expense of going to trial.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said there were two legal options in writing such laws. First, suspension, which means a court rules the defendants are guilty and sentences them to suspended punishment. During the suspension, if the convicts commit offences again, punishment will be increased.

In the case of awaiting punishment, Wissanu said, the court would rule defendants are guilty but would not indicate sentences. In a given specific time, if convicts commit offences, they would face more punishment.

“If there were no drawbacks to Seri’s proposal, people would not have criticised his proposal. The question is the timing – why now? If this is the case, we will face the question over whether we are given an order to do it. We must care for public feelings because this issue attracts huge public interest,” he said.

He said that if the government did not care about public feelings, the issue might spark a fresh conflict.

Banthoon Setsirot, former National Reform Council member, said Seri’s proposal met with opposition because it was not well thought out. He suggested that lawmakers opt for the reconciliation proposal by the former the NRC committee.