A special House committee examining an amnesty bill is planning to set up a sub-committee to study if lese majeste-related cases should be included in the bill.
Suriyasai Katasila, a political activist, told the committee's meeting yesterday that each side has a different opinion on the lese majeste law, aka Section 112, so any study must be conducted thoroughly as it is a sensitive matter.
He said it would take time for the committee to study lese majeste cases and determine the intention of each offender.
Certain mechanisms should be set up to deal with the matter, Mr Suriyasai said.
Thaworn Senniam, a former member of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, said that reforming the monarchy is different from overthrowing the monarchy, the latter of which he opposes.
Mr Thaworn said many people have faced Section 112-related charges because of their careless mistakes, and some have fallen victim to a witch hunt.
Therefore, he said, the gravity of the cases must be taken into consideration and constructive talks must be held to find solutions.
Nattawut Saikuar, a former member of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, said an amnesty bill should cover all cases, with exceptions for corruption and life-threatening felonies.
He also supports the idea of including Section 112 in the amnesty bill in a bid to resolve political conflict.
Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, a United Thai Nation (UTN) Party list MP, disagreed with Mr Nattawut's statement. He said that an offence under Section 112 is different from illegal public assembly and that it is not appropriate to define such offences as politically related cases.
Mr Thanakorn said some youth groups were supported by political parties and claimed they were politically related.
"There are many ways to express opinions within the principles of democracy. The political movement should be conducted under the same rules of law, and everyone should respect the rights of others," he said.
"Adults should also educate their children properly not to do something wrong, especially about matters concerning the royal institution and state security," he said.
"Differences in political opinions are acceptable, but they must not create disunity in society and must stay in line with laws."