Formerly, Lat Phrao was a tambon of Bang Kapi district, in what was then Phra Nakhon province, before the unification of Thonburi and Phra Nakhon into the single administrative area of Krung Thep (Bangkok).

On 4 September 1989, Lat Phrao was split off from Bang Kapi along with Bueng Kum as new districts.

The portion of Chorake Bua sub-district north of Khok Khram and Ta Reng canals was reassigned to Bang Khen district, and portions of the Lat Phrao sub-district were added to Wang Thonglang district.

On 24 January 2002, portions of Wang Thonglang District were reassigned to Lat Phrao Sub-district.

The district council for Lat Phrao has seven members, who each serve four-year terms.