Tear gas fired at Thai protesters

BANGKOK, April 9 (UPI) -- Thai officials agreed Friday to restore an anti-government television channel's signal if protesters leave the facility that distributes it, authorities said.

Security forces fired tear gas at thousands of opposition supporters who converged outside the Thaicom satellite television facility, trying to regain control of their TV station, the People Channel, CNN reported.

Thai health officials said 13 people were injured in the confrontation, the Bangkok Post reported.

Thai officials shut down the People Channel Thursday after a declaration of emergency for Bangkok and nearby areas.The red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship began broadcasting on its People Channel from an intersection in Bangkok's prime retail shopping area after protests heated up last weekend.

Sources told CNN at least 18 arrest warrants were issued Friday for protest leaders, following weeks of demonstrations that have left portions of Thailand's capital city paralyzed.

The demonstrators have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and new elections.

Some of the protesters are followers of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and faces trial on corruption charges.