Kuchinarai (, ; , ) is a district (amphoe) in the eastern part of Kalasin province, northeastern Thailand.
Neighboring districts are (from the west clockwise): Don Chan, Na Mon, Huai Phueng, Na Khu, and Khao Wong of Kalasin Province; Khamcha-i and Nong Sung of Mukdahan province; Moei Wadi, Phon Thong, and Pho Chai of Roi Et province.
A traditional sugarcane product that used to be common in Thailand is now made only in this district, and specifically, in Lao Hai Ngam Subdistrict. It is called 'sugarcane cake' (, ) or 'sugar cake' (, ). It is made from indigenous cane grown for more than eight months. Rice farmers produce it as a secondary money-earner. The sugar cakes are made only in February and are quickly bought up and disappear from the market until the following year.
The district is divided into 12 sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 142 villages (mubans). There are two sub-district municipalities (thesaban tambon): Bua Khao and Kut Wa, each covering parts of the same-named tambon. There are a further 12 tambon administrative organizations (TAO).