Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon disagrees with a proposal to grant political offenders a "reprieve", arguing it will lead to more conflict rather than reconciliation.

The controversial proposal by a National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) committee has drawn opposition from both pro- and anti-Thaksin groups and even sparked calls Tuesday from some critics for the panel to be disbanded.

Others, however, said the panel should be given a chance to flesh out the details.

The NRSA also said the idea, which aims to make the reprieve a law, is only a committee-level suggestion for political reform, from a panel led by Seree Suwanphanont, and so is not considered as the official NRSA stance.

Amid doubts and uncertainty, Gen Prawit Tuesday voiced his concern over the proposal, questioning what the proponents want out of it.

"The [political situation] is now good. It's better to avoid issues that will cause conflicts."

Though Mr Seree earlier assured the reprieve is different from the controversial amnesty bill as pushed by the Yingluck Shinawatra administration in 2013, various political groups have come out to voice their disapproval.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship leader Jatuporn Prompan, who has faced legal action for his role in past street demonstrations, said protesters should fight their cases in court rather than seeking a reprieve, while former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong questioned the origin of the proposed law.

However, Mr Seree insisted the proposal aims to help solve disputes between pro- and anti-Thaksin groups, which were involved in bloody protests over the past decade, and lead the country to national unity.

According to the proposal, protest leaders accused of committing politics-related offences will have their court proceedings and convictions suspended, but they still need to plead guilty in a court trial and abide by certain conditions to make sure they will not repeat actions they are accused of committing.

These make the proposal different from an amnesty bill, Mr Seree said earlier, adding the proposal also excludes suspects facing charges of lese majeste, corruption and other serious crimes.

Despite its good intentions, the negative reactions from political groups suggest the proposal is likely to cause more trouble, Gen Prawit said.

The priority at this moment should be getting all parties to follow the government's roadmap towards the referendum and general elections, he added.

Asked whether the National Council for Peace and Order should put an end to the Seree committee, the deputy prime minister said no, reasoning the NRSA has a duty to devise reform proposals even though some may not satisfy some people.

As for the reprieve issue, he is among those who disagree with it, Gen Prawit said.

However, other cabinet members have refrained from a firm stance, preferring to wait to see the committee's official draft and have joint discussions to reshape it.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said he welcomes talks with Mr Seree because the government also supports efforts to build national reconciliation.

One topic that needs to be clarified is who will be covered by the reprieves, he said.

He said the government cannot give a commitment at this moment as he has learned from a committee member that the proposal has not yet been made official.

What he can do is suggest any proposals on reconciliation must come with acceptable conditions; otherwise, they will spark conflicts in the society, he said.

Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya said he believes the proposal has good intentions and would like to wait for the Seree committee to provide full details.

The proposal has drawn heavy criticism even though it is not completely clear what shape it will take, he said.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by Bangkok Post

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