The political reform panel of the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA), chaired by Seree Suwanpanont, recently proposed an amnesty-like law under reconciliation plans pushed by the NRSA. The bill, as initially proposed, would suspend the punishment of people who had pleaded guilty in court to crimes committed during the series of demonstrations that have occurred since 2005.

However, anyone granted reprieve under the bill would be subjected to a lifetime probation, ban from staging political activities and forfeiture of voting rights.

Colour-coded political groups have rebuffed the offer, saying they preferred that the truth be uncovered and normal legal procedures followed.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said yesterday he also disagreed with the proposal.

“I don’t know why they have to propose [the bill]. I think the current situation is quite smooth. They should not cause any conflict but allow the road map to move forward,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the government had three questions about the bill regarding the timeframe, feasibility and acceptance by the public.

He said Seree had already told him about the idea, adding that the government welcomed any move that would be beneficial for the public.

However, the deputy prime minister said the proposal must be accepted by the people or it would deepen the conflict.

“As far as I know, some people are still opposing the bill. For instance, [they might ask] what cases could such an amnesty apply to … One step is to admit in court to the crimes. The government might like this but others might not, because they think they are innocent. So, they should not have to admit to crimes they did not commit,” Wissanu said.

Wissanu plans to meet Seree to discuss the proposal tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Seree has called on political factions to propose their own recommendations regarding the bill.

“The punishment pending bill is only in its infant stage, not final. We are open to any comment from any side before reconsidering the plan,” he said. “Should anyone have a suggestion, they can propose it to us. For those who oppose the idea, we would like to hear your ideas about how you would like it to be.”

Seree told The Nation that the plan was the result of multiple discussion sessions held by the NRSA’s political reform panel including people from across the political spectrum.

He said the panel had no intention to favour a particular side or person while discriminating against others, adding that such an idea was a misunderstanding.

There have been reports that only crimes related to the seizure of airports or government compounds would be eligible for the amnesty, which would not cover crimes related to arson – some people concluded that the law would be disproportionately beneficial to “yellow shirt” groups.

Seree dismissed those concerns. “When considering the plan, we discussed the principles in general and we do not have any intention to give advantage to anyone in particular. Everyone has an equal chance to receive such an offer,” he said.

“But cases concerning Article 112 [lese majeste] and corruption would not be included in the scheme,” he said, adding that arson was a criminal offence and therefore would not be covered by the bill.