After the Ayutthaya Kingdom conquered Vientiane, Laotians traveling through the area settled to form the town.

Around the year 1817, a Mr. Lae led a group of Laotian people from Vientiane across the Mekong River to find fertile ground.

When King Anouvong declared war on Siam in an attempt to regain independence, Phraya Phakdi Chumphon changed allegiance and supported the Siamese troops.

Neighboring districts are (from the north clockwise) Kaset Sombun, Kaeng Khro, and Khon Sawan of Chaiyaphum Province, Kaeng Sanam Nang and Ban Lueam of Nakhon Ratchasima province, and Noen Sa-nga, Ban Khwao and Nong Bua Daeng.

Phu Laen Kha[1] and Tat Ton National Parks are in Mueang Chaiyaphum District.