On 4 July 1991 Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun set up a study group for the dam project.

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over a royal ceremony on 15 June 1998, starting the storing of water in the reservoir.

On 20 October 1991 King Bhumibol Adulyadej gave the dam its official name, Pa Sak Cholasit.

It opened on 15 June 1998, along with the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam Railway Halt which was constructed to boost tourism in the area.

From November to January of the following year annually, for a total of three months, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates a special train known from Bangkok to Pa Sak Jolasid Dam.

The main highlight is when the train stops on the railway viaduct, allowing passengers to stroll and take pictures.