
Between the 15th century and the 18th century the area was invaded by the Siamese army, forcing landowners off their land and splitting up their families.
From the late 18th century until early in the 20th century, the Siamese ruled Battambang and placed it under the rule of the Lord Chaofa Ben family, which was later known as the Akpheyyavong Family. This lasted for 6 generations and ended in 1907. While under Thai rule, the province was a changwat of Thailand called PhraTabong.

In May 1953, the Poi Pet administration was founded and ordered under the district of SereiSophorn which was divided into two districts: SereiSophorn and BanteayChmar. In March 1965, the administration of Poi Pet, was elevated to the status of a district named O Chrov. In July 1965, part of the territory of MaungRussey was separated to become the administration of KorsKralor. In March 1966, another new district ThmarPouk was founded and the district of BanteayChmar was cut off from the province of Battambang for incorporation into OddorMeanchey province, another newly founded province. In the early years of the Khmer Rouge, two new districts were established: Banan and KorsLor. During the 3 years and 9 months of the Killing Fields, Battambang saw its people evacuated by Pol Pot's men from the city and towns and relocated to remote and mountainous areas. The province of Battambang, once known as the rice bowl of the country, was turned into a site of torture, killings, and starvation.

In 1986, three new districts were created: Banan, Bovel, and Ek Phnom. Until that point, Battambang had 12 districts and 1 provincial town. In 1988, however 5 districts were separated and incorporated into the newly founded province of BanteayMeanchey.
In 1998, following the integration of the remaining territory of the former Democratic Kampuchea, the province of Battambang saw part of its territory separated for the municipality of Pailin, while 4 new districts were established: Samlot, Kamreang, Phnom Proeuk and SampovLoun. In 2000, part of the district of MaungRussey was split off to become the district of KoasKrala