'Fast and Furious 7' screening stopped in Thailand

The Civil Court has prohibited the screening of the American action film <i>Fast and Furious 7</i>, which was due to open on April 1, pending settlement of a breach of contract dispute between Sahamongkol Film and the movie's star, Thai martial artist Panom Yeerum, better known as Tony Jaa.

The action was brought by Somsak "Sia Jiang" Techaratanaprasert, the founder of Sahamongkol Film International. Lawyer Suwat Apaipak filed the case with the Civil Court.

Panom, also known as Tachakorn, is accused of breaching a 10-year contract with Sahamongkol valid until 2023 by working for another company.

Defendants in the case are Panom, Universal Pictures, which produced the film, and the distributor, United International Pictures Far East Co.

The plaintiff has demanded 1.6 billion baht in compensation. The court granted an injunction forbidding the showing of the film in Thailand pending further deliberation.

Mr Suwat said the compensation was based on the cost of acquiring Panom's services from another company, and expenses to promote other films that made him famous.

The lawyer said his client was open to negotiation with other parties, including theatre operators. If deals were agreed on the complaint could be withdrawn.

Credit: Fast & Furious

Local media quoted Panom, 38, as saying he could never forget the contribution Sahamongkol had made to his career, but he had to take opportunities when they appeared and step out onto the international stage.

Fans of Tony Jaa and the Fast and Furious franchise blasted Sahamongkol and Sia Jiang on social media on Friday, including on the Facebook page of the company.

The lawyer said Sia Jiang was worried about the negative response but Sahamongkol had no other choice but to protect its rights.