The government split off some parts of Mueang Phichit and Pho Thale Districts and formed the new Pho Prathap Chang minor district (king amphoe) on 24 June 1967.
The district was named after the temple (Wat) Pho Prathap Chang, which was built by King Suea (Tiger King, Sanpet VIII, Suriyenthrathibodi) of Ayutthaya at his birthplace.