Seri Suwanpanont said there was no hidden agenda behind its recommendation as it was part of the government and the assembly’s reform plans. The recommendation, he said, would make the matter of who received amnesty clear.

He said it would separate cases concerning political leaders and those of ordinary demonstrators for different treatment. Political leaders, he said, must enter a legal process and fight their cases in court, while ordinary demonstrators should have their offences considered case by case.

Those who committed lese majeste offences or severe criminal acts including arsons must also be subject to a normal legal process, he added.

Seri said that using the all-powerful Article 44 of the interim constitution to shortcut processes regarding the issue was a matter for the National Council for Peace and Order. The NRSA would only propose its recommendation, which was still at the preliminary stage.

However, the committee’s chairman hopes the recommendation will help prevent future conflict because it will include measures designed to prevent acts that could instigate socials problems, especially by politicians.

Legal means will be the prime tool to deal with these people, he said.