Bangkok: Screenings of the latest Hunger Games film have been cancelled in the Thai capital after opponents of the country's military rule adopted a three-finger salute from the movie as a sign of defiance.
In the popular US movie series the gesture symbolises rebellion against totalitarian rule.
Activists said police pressured theatres to halt showings of The Hunger Games:Mockingjay Part 1 that was due to open in theatres on Thursday.
One group had posted Facebook calls for a "raise three fingers, bring popcorn" campaign.
Since toppling a democratically-elected government in May,Thailand's military rulers have acted swiftly against any form of dissent, including wearing T-shirts that could "promote division"; reading certain books; and eating sandwiches in symbolic protest.
Hundreds of people, including politicians, activists and journalists, have been detained on grounds such as "giving them to think" and "attitude adjustment".
The junta has also blocked more than 200 websites considered critical of its rule, censored television and radio stations and prevented public protests under a 100-year-old martial law that bans gatherings of more than five people.
But six months after seizing power the junta is facing growing criticism in the Thai media, which has appealed for a lifting of restrictions.
Last week a Thai television network dismissed the host of a television program after a visit by army officers who complained the show's content was provocative.
On Thursday, Bangkok newspapers published front-page photographs of five university students who used The Hunger Games' three-finger salute in front of coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has assumed the post of prime minister.
The students wearing T-shirts saying "Don't want a coup" were immediately taken away by military police for interrogation after staging the protest as Mr Prayuth was making a speech in Khon Kaen province, 450 kilometres north-east of Bangkok.
Thailand's military government insists restrictions are necessary to bring the country's back to normal after months of street protests.
The government has promised to allow democratic elections late next year but has refused to set a date.
The government claims the majority of Thai people now feel much safer, with the restoration of law and order.
