 It was a first class city in the Rattanakosin Kingdom and reported directly to Bangkok.During the "Thesaphiban" reforms at the beginning of the 20th century it became subordinate to Ubon Ratchathani.Neighboring districts are (from the southeast clockwise) Na Tan, Pho Sai, and Kut Khaopun of Ubon Ratchathani Province, Pathum Ratchawongsa and Chanuman of Amnat Charoen Province.