Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has voiced support for the people's amnesty bill proposed by relatives of those killed in the 2010 political violence, arguing that its conditions are clear and reasonable.
He was referring to the bill proposed by relatives of victims including Payao Akkahad, mother of volunteer nurse Kamolkade Akkahad, who was shot and killed at Wat Pathumwanaram on May 19, 2010.
If the government is serious about pursuing an amnesty, he would be happy to take part in negotiations to push the people's bill into effect, he said.
Mr Abhsit said it was the first proposed amnesty bill with a reasonable and reconciliatory tone.
The party would fully cooperate if the government agreed to withdraw the reconciliation and amnesty bills proposed by Pheu Thai Party MP for Samut Prakan Worachai Hema, Labour Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, government whips, and other groups, he said, leaving only the "people's amnesty bill" for consideration in the House of Representatives.
According to the people's bill, only members of the public, regardless of political allegiances, would be granted amnesty.
But those who gave orders in violation of the Criminal Code inciting others to kill, set fire to public property and do harm to the public or soldiers would not be included.
Mr Abhisit said he would like the people's bill to make it clear that anyone involved in corruption or offences against the monarchy in relation to the 2010 violence should also be exempt from the amnesty.
The other proposed amnesty bills, some of which seek to grant a blanket amnesty, regardless of offences committed, also fail to address the issues of corruption or crimes against the monarchy, he added.
"The matter is being discussed in the party," Mr Abhisit said. "It would be acceptable to the opposition if the government agrees to withdraw all of the other bills and push only the people's amnesty bill for deliberation."