Thai Opposition Turns to Pop Culture

In the face of crackdowns on protest rights from the junta government in Thailand, the Thai people have turned to silent protests inspired by the hit book and movie series, The Hunger Games. Opposition to Thailand's military coup are know giving the famed three-finger salute from the series to express their displeasure with the military takeover. Opposition leaders have called the salute a universal sign for "calling for fundamental political rights."

The salute is given three times a day - at 9:00 a.m., at 1:00 p.m., and at 5:00 p.m. - in public places without a peace presence. However, groups of individuals are gathering at those times to give the sign to the soldiers. In the books and movie, the salute represents rebellion against the totalitarian rule of the dystopian nation of Panem.

The military government is monitoring the developments in the situation. The Thai military last week overthrew the democratically elected government and cracked down on anti-coup protests.