Thai authorities say they have Sisouk Sayaseng in custody after arresting him Sunday in Ubon Ratchathani province.
He had been on the run since the Vangtao attack in July 2000, when at least 30 men seized the Vangtao checkpoint in Champassack province near the Thai border. At least five of the rebels were killed by Laotian troops, while 28 more -- 16 of them Laotians -- were arrested.
A Thai court is to rule Wednesday on the extradition of the 16 Laotians.