The minor district (king amphoe) Phra Yuen was established on 18 October 1976 by splitting off the three tambons: Phra Yuen, Phra Bu, and Ban Ton from Mueang Khon Kaen district.[1] On 1 January 1988 it was upgraded to a full district.[2][3]
The district is divided into five subdistricts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 46 villages (mubans). There are two townships (thesaban tambons): Ban Ton covers tambon Ban Ton, and Phra Yuen covers parts of tambon Phra Yuen. There are a further four tambon administrative organizations (TAO).