Later Phra Aphai (พระอภัย), the governor moved the town center to Ban Huai Po.

In 1859 the next governor, Luang Buntharik Khettanurak (Sai) moved the town center to Ban Non Sung but keep the name Mueang Bua.

The government made Buntharik a minor district (king amphoe) in 1923, and moved the town center to Ban Phon Ngam, on the east bank of the Dom Noi River.

[2] Neighboring districts are (from the west clockwise) Na Chaluai, Det Udom, Phibun Mangsahan, Sirindhorn and the Laotian province of Champasak.

They produce muk jok dao ('whale silk fabric') sarongs, costing up to 5,000 baht per metre.