If Katniss was in Thailand, what would she do?
That is the essence of the question offered by CNN in relation to reports of Thai protesters making the three-finger salute that is the signature symbol of the "Hunger Games" movie franchise - aside from the mockingjay, that is.
Recent updates regarding to the protests in Thailand have it that some theater operators have decided not to screen "Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" in their cinemas "after five students were arrested for flashing the three-finger sign of dissent from the film at military dictator General Prayuth Chan-ocha" during his visit at Khon Kaen, Time reported.
"The salute has become synonymous with opposition to Thailand's May 22 military coup," the news source added. "The students were released later that same evening and ordered to report to the military with their parents the next day."
The country experienced a coup that ended with the military taking over the reigns in governing the nation back in May. Those against this move had signified their displeasure with the "Hunger Games" three-finger salute.
"The military government in Thailand has clamped down on all forms of protest, censored the country's news media, limited the right to public assembly and arrested critics and opponents. Hundreds of academics, journalists and activists have been detained for up to a month," The New York Times said. "Army officials later confirmed that the students were held for several hours for "attitude adjustment" and then released. They were told to report back the next day with their parents and still could be charged with violating martial law."
Theater chain Apex have suspended screenings of "Mockingjay - Part 1" in the wake of the arrests. An Apex spokesman reasoned that this move was made because they felt the movie theaters "are being used for political movements."
"Seeing a movie is a personal thing, and they all have a right to do that," Thai government official Maj. Gen. Sansern Kaewkumnerd told CNN. "But if, after seeing the movie, there are political activities involved, this is prohibited by martial law, which has been imposed since (last May's) military intervention."
"If we allow one group to hold political activities, then (other) groups would want to do the same thing. We would never achieve peace and order, which we are trying to restore," he added.
Sansern also went on to say that Prayuth, who is now the country's prime minister after serving as the army chief prior to the military coup, told him that the Khon Kaen incident was considered "very minor" and that the protesters are still "very young."
"When they grow up they will understand in what we are doing," the government's spokesperson said.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
