BANGKOK, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The controversial national reconciliation draft bill have been submitted for parliament's deliberation.
A group of MPs from the ruling Pheu Thai Party on Thursday tabled a national reconciliation bill drafted by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung.
They say the draft bill, seeking amnesty for all political groups, is important to the country as it will help the country move forward amid political conflict.
Thailand has faced several street protests and seizures of state's properties, such as the main international airport, government house and the parliament, since the coup d'etat that overthrows popular prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006.
Leaders from all sides of political factions, including Thaksin and former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, face criminal charges related to the political battles. The draft bill, if passed, is expected to clear the way for Thaksin and others from all charges and let the country "move on".
The MPs held a press conference Thursday, dismissing the criticism that Chalerm's bill aims to whitewash lawbreakers.
They said the bill's aim is to bring about amnesty for people belonging to all the colour-coded political groups in order to defuse the nation's conflicts and allow the country to move forward.
They added that it is possible that lawmakers would ask the House to urgently deliberate the bill when the Parliament reconvenes on August 1.
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