History
The area was separated from Mueang Nan district to create a minor district (King Amphoe) on July 1, 1997.[1]
Following a decision of the Thai government on May 15, 2007, all of the 81 minor districts were to be upgraded to full districts.[2] With the publishing in the Royal Gazette on August 24 the upgrade became official .
Etymology
The name Phu Phiang comes from the name of Phu Phiang mountain, which has the That Chae Haeng positioned on the top.
Geography
Neighboring are (from the north clockwise) Santi Suk, Mae Charim, Wiang Sa and Mueang Nan of Nan Province.
The eastern part of the district is in the Luang Prabang Range mountain area of the Thai highlands.[4]