A special reconciliation body will be authorised to seek an amnesty decree for people involved in political conflicts under the new charter, according to Constitution Drafting Committee chairman Borwornsak Uwanno.
Speaking during a CDC visit to Udon Thani to collect public views on the new constitution, Mr Borwornsak said the special body is likely to be called the “national reconciliation committee”.
He said it will be a core mechanism to help address divisions in the country and will act as a mediator for all parties involved in political conflicts.
Once the parties settle their differences and reach an agreement, the committee will propose that the government issue an amnesty decree, he said.
The committee is expected to be made up of 14 people. Of these, nine will be royally appointed and the other five will represent those involved in the conflicts.
The committee should complete its work within five years.
"Reconciliation can't be achieved if all sides won't let go of the past," he said.
Mr Borwornsak added that the new charter is being designed with three main tasks in mind: addressing immediate conflicts between opposing political groups; reducing disparity and promoting fairness; and establishing a balance of power.
Somkid Lertpaitoon, a member of National Legislative Assembly, said yesterday that the new charter is unprecedented because it will have a chapter on national reconciliation.
He said the constitution should be designed for long-term use, calling on charter drafters to consider a broad range of factors when working on the reconciliation chapter, to make sure the constitution truly serves the public.
"I don't think it's wrong to include a chapter on reconciliation in the charter, but I have never seen any other country do that before," he said.
"I have studied several other charters and I hope the drafters will work to make sure our charter benefits the entire nation."
Mr Somkid said he is opposed to the idea of writing an amnesty clause into the new charter, but admitted that amnesty could be a tool to promote national unity.
He said the task of deciding when it is time to proceed with an amnesty should be undertaken by a future government.
Mr Somkid added that detailed talks must be held to finalise who is eligible for amnesty before a law to clear people of past wrongdoing comes into force.