"Pakorn" held the first meeting of the Peace Promotion Committee to resolve 20 years of conflict, stating that amnesty would end prosecutions and erase criminal records, aiming to settle old disputes as lessons to prevent their recurrence.
At 2:00 p.m. on 21 September 2026 at the Government House, Mr. Pakorn Nilprapunt, Deputy Prime Minister and chair of the Peace Promotion Committee, chaired the meeting. Present were Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice and vice chair; Mr. Piyasiri Watwanarangkool, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and secretary-general; committee members including Ms. Hansa Homhuan, secretary-general of the National Human Rights Commission; Mr. Wuttisarn Tanchai, chairman of the Education Equity Fund; Ms. Ticha Na Nakorn, social worker and child rights advocate; Mr. Kanaphon Janhom, criminal law expert from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yutthaporn Isarachai, political science academic from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University; and Ms. Yupa Taweewattanakitbaworn, Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office.
Before the meeting, Mr. Pakorn said this committee meeting is politically important to promote unity and reconciliation. Over the past 20 years, Thailand has faced political ideological conflicts leading to disputes and mistrust among politicians, civil servants, related parties, and even families—conflicts that should not have occurred. This amnesty law aims to strengthen and restore social peace. It provides for amnesty to end ongoing prosecutions and to clear criminal records.
Mr. Pakorn added that past experiences in politics, institutions, and organizations have taught valuable lessons. They do not want similar events to recur. Public expression of opinions is a democratic value, but differences can escalate emotionally and cause division. This law intends to build a better society and hopes to resolve old conflicts thoroughly, serving as a lesson to prevent new disputes.
Proceeding with amnesty, setting a 180-day framework, hoping to end political color conflicts, and immediately establishing two subcommittees.
At 2:55 p.m., Mr. Pakorn stated after the first meeting that the 2026 Peace Promotion Act, or amnesty act, was enacted to foster social peace. Over the past 20 years, Thailand has experienced many ideological divisions, leading to disputes and confrontations between state agencies and citizens, including political expressions involving various factions. They no longer want such incidents in Thailand; the country must move forward toward social harmony and cooperate in national development.
Mr. Pakorn said today marks a first step after the parliament approved the 2026 Peace Promotion Act, which is now in effect. Relevant agencies—investigators, prosecutors, courts, enforcement officers, the Department of Corrections, and juvenile detention centers—must comply with Section 8 of this law to immediately grant amnesty. Two subcommittees will be established: one to screen complaints and another to communicate and raise public understanding, while opening complaint channels.
He continued that initially, the Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister will request related agencies to report their actions under this law—how many cases and their statuses—and submit the information to the committee within 30 days from today. Then, the data will be reviewed, and channels will open for citizens affected by protests or legal cases to verify information and identify any overlooked cases for complaints to this committee. The committee’s rulings will be final to end conflicts, misunderstandings, and genuinely promote social peace. Today is the first step, and decisions have been made on agency procedures. They want the law enforced immediately and all actions completed within 180 days, roughly by March 2027.
"Yutthaporn" reveals multiple channels for stakeholders to submit justice requests.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yutthaporn Isarachai, a committee member, said after the meeting that many agencies await clarity on fostering social reconciliation. The law has been in effect for one month, and under Sections 7 and 8 and exceptions in Section 3, the amnesty and related offenses involving state agencies will proceed according to the annexed list in the Peace Promotion Act.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yutthaporn added that during the meeting, Mr. Pakorn as chair and other members agreed that agencies must comply with the law. In cases lacking clarity or where state agencies refuse, requests can be submitted to the committee. The meeting decided to provide multiple convenient channels for stakeholders to submit requests, including mail, email, and official processes. Public communication will be promoted to gather diverse opinions, which is part of the ongoing process.
"Pa Mon" declares everything will end beautifully.
Meanwhile, Ms. Ticha Na Nakorn, a Peace Promotion Committee member, said that the policy allows for broader political interpretation to cover those involved in the conflict period, which should end as much as possible. The committee gave reassuring points reflecting consensus. She expressed gratitude and stated that everything will conclude beautifully.
