The Phuan and Vientiane residents, or Lao Wiang, migrated into Thailand in the Thonburi and early Ratanakosin Periods. Historical evidence indicates that the first batch of the Phuan was brought into the country by Chao Phraya Maha Kasatsuk in the Thonburi Period. During the reign of King Rama III, Laos and Khmers were brought into the country as commoners and slaves and were settled in Phanom Sarakham and Sanam Chaikhet Districts. They were under the administration of Lao leaders who were given the same privileges as Thai noblemen. The Laotians were able to change their status to become masters and moved their residences with official approval. The Lao communities were later raised to the status of cities with their own leaders. However, they were required to send annual tributes to the central government.