Khao Kho was established as a minor district (king amphoe) on 21 August 1984 by splitting the two tambons Thung Samo and Khaem Son from Lom Sak district.[3] It was upgraded to a full district on 19 July 1991.[4]
Between 1965 and 1984, this mountainous area was a battleground in the fight between the Thai communist party and the Royal Thai Army.[citation needed]
The district is divided into seven sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 72 villages (mubans). There are no municipal areas (thesabans) in the district. There are five tambon administrative organizations (TAO).