The initial administrative policy regarded Phuan towns as a distant Thai colony, so tributes had to be paid to the Thai government. Later Phuan residents were brought to settle in the kingdom to avoid being forced to become Vietnamese army men. The Phuan did not feel displaced because they were able to live in the same communities and were administratively treated like other Thais. Moreover, the kingdom was more fertile than their hometowns, so they did not try to run away. Additionally, Phuan and Thai cultures as well as habits were very similar, therefore they co-existed peacefully. The Phuan played an important role in the Thai economy and politics during the period.