The minor district (king amphoe) was established on 1 April 1995, when it was split off from Wiang Chai district
.[1] At first named Chiang Rung, it was renamed Wiang Chiang Rung on 1 March 1996.[2]
On 15 May 2007, all 81 minor districts were upgraded to full districts.[3] With publication in the Royal Gazette on 24 August the upgrade became official.[4]
Administration
The district is divided into three sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 43 villages (mubans). Ban Lao is a township (thesaban tambon) which covers parts of tambons Thung Ko and Dong Maha Wan. There are a further three tambon administrative organizations (TAO).