Tambon Sam Suan, Ban Tao, and Ban Thaen were separated from Phu Khiao District to create Ban Thaen minor district (king amphoe) on 16 June 1965.[1] It was upgraded to a full district on 25 February 1969.[2]
The district is divided into five subdistricts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 66 villages (mubans). The township (thesaban tambon) Ban Thaen covers parts of tambon Ban Thaen. There are a further five tambon administrative organizations (TAO).