The Mons originally resided in the Mon State of Burma. Mon migration into Thailand had occurred nine times; six times during the Ayuthaya Period, once during the Thonburi Period, and twice during the Ratanakosin Period. Initially they were an ethnic group but with a good living standard equal to that of the Thais. They have become stateless. In Burma, the Mons are in a big state outnumbered by the Pyu. Due to their strict adherence in Buddhism and animism, they live together peacefully, and collectively work for their communities and temples. Therefore, they have strongly maintained their cultural and ethnic identity amid fierce socio-economic changes.