Hunger Games banned in Thailand for sparking protests

Nachacha Kongudom, 21, raises a three-finger salute outside a cinema where The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 was showing, in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo / AP

The new Hunger Games Movie has reportedly been banned from a number of cinemas in Thailand after protesters adopted the film's hand gesture as an anti-authority symbol.

The three-fingered salute featured in Jennifer Lawrence's film franchise has been adopted by pro-democracy activists in the country who are protesting against the regime which was installed in the aftermath of the military coup in May.

In te film, the three-finger salute signifies thanks, admiration and good-bye to a loved one.

Protesters had planned a mass demonstration outside a cinema in Bangkok to mark the opening of the latest film, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, on Thursday. Now one of the country's leading cinema chains has cancelled all screenings of the blockbuster, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

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Thailand's theatre chain Apex Group has pulled screenings, the THR reports.

The news comes after several student activists were arrested on Wednesday for using the hand gesture during a speech by the country's new leader Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Government officials have previously warned anyone caught using The Hunger Games symbol would face arrest.

- WENN