Mockingjay: Bangkok Cinema Axes Hunger Games Over Salute Protests

A cinema chain in Bangkok has been ordered to axe forthcoming screenings of the latest ‘Hunger Games’ movie, after pro-democracy protestors began using the ‘three-finger salute’ from the film.

Above: Natchacah Kong-Udom was arrested by Thai police at the opening of Mockingjay

Students were reportedly planning to protest at the opening day of ’The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1' against totalitarian rule in Thailand.

The country has been under military rule since May of this year, and in a case of life imitating art, the authorities have banned the use of the salute, used by the revolutionaries in the film.

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A protest, organised by the League of Liberal Thammasat for Democracy, was set to take place this weekend at the Scala cinema in Bangkok.

Protestors were warned about using the salute in June, after the military junta had taken over government, and vowed to arrest any deciding to use it.

"We know it comes from the movie, and let’s say it represents resistance against the authorities," Colonel Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak said at the time.

"If a single individual raises three fingers in the air, we are not going to arrest him or her.

"But if it is a political gathering of five people or more, then we will have to take some action. If it persists, then we will have to make an arrest."

Above: Thais hold up the Hunger Games Salute at protests in June

Today several Thai newspapers published front-page pictures of students using the salute at a public appearance by Prayuth Chanocha, who has named himself the country’s prime minister.

In the movie series, which is set to break box office records on its release this weekend, citizens of the fictional country of Panem use the salute in defiance of totalitarian rule.

The military government has also banned the likes of the BBC, CNN and the Disney Channel from being shown in the country since it seized power in a bloodless coup.

'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1' is in cinemas now. Watch a clip below.

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Image credits: Rex Features/Lionsgate