Neighboring districts are (from the south clockwise): Pueai Noi, Nong Song Hong, Non Sila, Chonnabot, Mancha Khiri, and Ban Haet of Khon Kaen Province; Kosum Phisai and Kut Rang of Maha Sarakham province.

In 1928 the minor district (king amphoe) Ban Phai was established consisting of three subdistricts split off from Chonnabot.

As of 2019[update], Thai sugar giant, the Mitr Phol Group, plans to construct a sugarcane mill and biomass power plant in the district.

The initiative will occupy 4,000 rai (640 ha; 1,600 acres) of three of the province's neighbouring districts: Ban Phai, Chonnabot, and Non Sila.

The operation will form part of the Ban Phai Bio-Hub Industrial Estate and is linked to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project.