A joint committee to compile information obtained from a public forum on Friday on controversial petroleum concessions is expected to be set up by Feb 25, deputy government spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Monday.
The committee, to comprise government representatives and civic groups, will recommend ways out of the stalemate over whether the government should go ahead with the 21st round of concession bidding, which critics say forfeits too many public resources to companies.
Maj Gen Sansern said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had assigned the Prime Minister's Office to invite interested people to a meeting.
He said it would be clear by Wednesday who would sit on the committee, which would comprise 10-15 members from the Energy Ministry, groups with different opinions, legal experts and academics.
It was hoped the committee would come up with recommendations for the prime minister to make a decision before March 16.
Maj Gen Sansern stressed that although the government is empowered to decide the issue, it is open to opinions from the people.
At the same time, the government must take into consideration energy security, investor confidence and budgets for exploration for petroleum resources.
People holding different opinions should halt any plans for a protest, and allow the government do its work.
The government will try to find the best solution to the problem and promote understanding between all groups of people to prevent future conflict, Maj Gen Sansern said.