Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Thai Military Uses Force Against 'Red Shirt' Protesters VOA News 09 April 2010 Molotov cocktails hurled by anti-government protesters explode near Thai soldiers after soldiers fired tear gas at protesters Photo: AP Molotov cocktails hurled by anti-government protesters explode near Thai soldiers after soldiers fired tear gas at protesters at the Thaicom teleport center in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, 09 Apr 2010 Thai security forces have used tear gas against anti-government protesters who stormed the grounds of the opposition television channel, which was shut down by the government this week. Thousands of "Red Shirts" traveled by pickup trucks and motorcycles to the studios of the "People Channel," located several kilometers north of Bangkok in the Pathum Thani suburb.  They were demanding the government reopen the station, which was taken off the air after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency.  Thai military officials had warned they would use force to disperse the demonstrators, including rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons.  The emergency decree was issued after hundreds of Red Shirts stormed the Thai parliament and forced lawmakers to flee.  Arrest warrants have been issued for at least 17 Red Shirt leaders in connection with last Saturday's takeover of Bangkok's commercial district.  The protesters are demanding Mr. Abhisit step down and call early elections within two weeks. The prime minister has offered to call a new election in nine months. The demonstrators say they plan to keep up their protests at least through next week's Thai New Year celebrations. The crisis prompted Mr. Abhisit to cancel a trip to Vietnam Thursday to attend a summit of Southeast Asian leaders.  The Red Shirts largely back former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled in a 2006 military coup because of alleged corruption. Mr. Thaksin is living in exile. He still has broad support from the urban poor and rural communities. But middle class and wealthier Thais despise him because of his alleged corruption. Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. .