Fast and Furious 7 not so fast in Thailand

[Thaivisa News]

Bangkok:- Due to a court injunction that came out Thursday evening, Fast and Furious 7 will not hit big screens for Thai movie goers next week.

The Civil Court has suspended the screening of the action movie in response to a complaint filed by Sahamongkol Film International Co. Ltd. The complaint surrounds the fact that famous Thai martial arts actor, Tatchakorn Yeerum or Tony Jaa, has taken a role in the film without the firm’s consent. Tatchakorn is accused of breaching the contract that he has signed with firm and is valid till till 2023.

The firm has now demanded Bt1.6billion in compensation from Tatchakorn, Universal Pictures and United International Pictures (Fareast) that are involved in Fast and Furious production/distribution.

The court injunction will apply to cinemas in Thailand only.

In fact, cinemas in Thailand were preparing to launch the latest sequel of Fast and Furious to the public on April 1.

Suwat Apaiyasak, the lawyer who represents Sahamongkol Film International, says the court injunction will be in effect until the court rules otherwise.

Asked about impacts on cinemas, filmmakers and film distributors, Suwat says his firm will welcome negotiations.

“If negotiations prove satisfactory, we are ready to withdraw our complaint,” he says.

Tatchakorn has been catapulted to fame via Sahamongkol Film International’s Ong Bak movies. Despite Sahamongkol’s threat of lawsuit since a few years ago, Tatchakorn went ahead with the filming of Fast and Furious 7.

It is his Hollywood debut. The latest sequel of the famous Fast and Furious also features top stars like Vin Diesel.

[clokwise]

Poor Tony Jaa, he's contractually obligated to make nothing but rubbish B-movies for Sahamongkol until well past his prime. He got some very bad advice signing that contract, such a shame considering how talented he is.

[useronthenet]

I don't think Universal Pictures and United International Pictures (Fareast) will pay up, as the contract is between Sahamongkol Film International Co. Ltd and Tatchakorn Yeerum. The only ones to lose out with be the movie-goers in Thailand. 1.6 billion compensation, what planet are they on?

[Chao Lao Beach]

1.6 billion compensation, what planet are they on?

Planet Thailand

[bendejo]

This ban would only be for movie theatres in Thailand. No way they would make that much at the box office to make back the payoff.

Thais will just have to see it on DVD, we know how that works.