The district was created on 1 April 1987, when the five tambons, Pho Thong, Si Somdet, Mueang Plueai, Nong Yai, and Suan Chik were split off from Mueang Roi Et district.
On 1 April 1987, a new administrative division was created by separating the five tambons of Pho Thong, Si Somdet, Mueang Plueai, Nong Yai, and Suan Chik from Mueang Roi Et district.