Amnesty Committee Accelerates Work Toward National Reconciliation
Chat-chai Bangchawat said the amnesty committee has met once, appointed screening and public‑relations sub‑committees, and plans to speed up case reviews within the 180‑day legal deadline. He stressed the process must benefit those affected and serve as a foundation for national reconciliation. No requests have been received yet, but the committee will examine any obstacles to submissions.
Chat-chai Bangchawat, permanent secretary of the Prime Minister's Office and secretary of the Peaceful Society Promotion Committee, reported that the committee has convened one meeting and appointed both a screening sub‑committee and a public‑relations sub‑committee. The next step is to receive and examine cases according to the announced criteria. When asked whether any amnesty requests had been submitted after opening various channels, he said the mechanism must first identify any limitations. The screening sub‑committee is chaired by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Justice, while he chairs the public‑relations sub‑committee, which will explain and disseminate the criteria to help petitioners understand the process. Regarding the schedule for the second meeting, he said it should be held quickly because the law provides a 180‑day window that must be met, although an extension is possible. He believes the effort will mark the beginning of national unity and reconciliation, provided the submissions are screened correctly and fairly for all parties.
