The area of Mae Fa Luang was separated from Mae Chan district and created as a minor district (king amphoe) on 1 April 1992.[1] Originally it was composed of the three tambons, Thoet Thai, Mae Salong Nai, and Mae Salong Nok. A fourth sub-district, Mae Fa Luang, was created in 1996. The minor district was upgraded to a full district on 5 December 1996.[2]
Etymology
The name Mae Fa Luang was given by Princess Mother Srinagarindra, who was commonly known as "Mae Fa Luang" (lit. 'royal mother from the sky') by the hill tribespeople of the area.