More than 60% of respondents in a new Suan Dusit Poll support an amnesty bill for all parties involved in political conflicts in order to bring about national reconciliation.
The pollsters at Suan Dusit Rajabhat University based their conclusion on interviews with 1,123 people nationwide between July 22 and 26.
They said 42.7% of respondents said any amnesty law that is issued must be justly and fairly considered and in line with the law.
A total of six amnesty bills have been proposed for consideration by parliament when it reconvenes on Aug 1. A bill proposed by Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema has been given priority for debate on Aug 7-8. However, concerns about protests might result in the bill being taken off the agenda.
Suan Dusit Poll said 26.4% of respondents wanted an amnesty for all parties, not any particular side, and 18.5% believed the law would deliver justice and assistance to people affected by political violence that has taken place in recent years.
Meanwhile, 7.9% of respondents said the bill's consideration should be based on sound reasons, without confrontation or violence, but 4.4% believe an amnesty bill should be put on hold to prevent possible political turmoil.
Asked what model the amnesty law should follow, 60.9% wanted an amnesty for all, to put to an end to political conflict, and for all parties to forgive each other to bring about peace to the country.
However, 23.7% said those who committed political offences should be granted an amnesty, except the leaders of protesters because they created unrest and should be held responsible for that.
Another 15.3% favoured amnesty for political offenders but not for any state officials because they had wrongly used their authority and should be punished to prevent other officials from taking similar actions in the future.
Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva last week voiced the Democrat Party's support for a so-called people's amnesty bill proposed by relatives of those killed in the 2010 political violence.
However, he suggested the bill needed to make sure that those involved in corruption and offences against the monarchy are not included under the amnesty.