The minor district (king amphoe) was created on 5 March 1981, when the four tambons, Si Kaeo, Phing Phuai, Sa Yao, and Tum, were split off from Kantharalak district.
On March 5, 1981, a new minor district (king amphoe) was created by separating the tambon areas of Si Kaeo, Phing Phuai, Sa Yao, and Tum from Kantharalak district.