It was made a minor district (king amphoe) on 16 June 1965, then consisting of the two tambons Kok Pho and Bueng Ngam.

The number "101" symbolises the name of the province: roi-et is one hundred one in Thai numerals.

The five-tiered chedi containing Buddha relics is decorated with elaborate designs in a contemporary style.

The sides of the stairway leading into the central courtyard recall legendary origins in China and the subsequent adoption of Buddhism with multi-headed Nāgas emerging from the mouth of Chinese dragons.

N 16° 19.932 E 104° 19.212 Waymark Code: WM95XK The district is divided into nine sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 120 villages (mubans).