The government should ask the United States to arrest exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his visit to the US, the Democrat Party says.

Spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said yesterday the government must take action now that it knows Thaksin is in the US. The request can be made through the embassy in the US, he said.

His comment comes after Walter Braunohler, information officer of the US embassy in Thailand, said the Thai government can file an extradition request for Thaksin.

The party will take legal action if the government fails to follow up the matter, Mr Chavanond said.

Meanwhile, Mr Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said yesterday the former premier will visit California next to meet red-shirt supporters, after finishing his tour of New York and Houston.

The former premier had met members of the Thai community and American businessmen and politicians, Mr Noppadon said.