The district was established on 21 November 1997 (announced 14 October 1997) occupying Wang Thonglang and part of Khlong Chan sub-district of Bang Kapi and part of Lat Phrao sub-district of Lat Phrao district. The total area was 19.205 km2. In 2002 (announced 24 January, effective 11 March) the district boundary between Wang Thonglang and Lat Phrao districts was adjusted. Now Wang Thonglang has 18.905 km2 of area.
The name Wang Thonglang means 'the deep body of water around which Erythrina fusca grows'.
Administration
The district is sub-divided into 4 sub-districts (khwaeng).
The District Council for Wang Thonglang has seven members, who each serve four-year terms. Elections were last held on April 30, 2006. The results were as follows:
There is also Khlong Saen Saep boat service running along Khlong Saen Saep with piers Mahadthai, Ramkhamhaeng.U, Wat Thepleela, Ramkhamhaeng.29, and The Mall Ram 3 on its border between Bang Kapi district.
The main roads in the Wang Thong Lang are Lat Phrao, Chok Chai 4, and Pradit Manutham, among others. They are served by many bus lines of both BMTA and private joint companies, such as 8, 44, 73, 73ก, 96, 137, 178, 514, etc.