[4][5] AOT was established on September 20, 2002, as a result of the privatisation of the state-owned Airports Authority of Thailand (AAT).

Thai aviation began in 1911 when Belgian pilot, Van den Born (Van den Born), brought the Orville Wright aircraft to show between February 2–8, 1911 at Sra Pathum Airfield, now known as the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

They also tested the airplane's flight performance in front of the Thai people on December 29, 1913, at Sa Pathum Airport.

However, because Sa Pathum Airport was constructed in an unsuitable location, The Royal Thai Army Aviation and Aviation School chose a new location based on the conditions of having a spacious area, high ground, no flooding, and away from the Phra Nakhon area.

The Airport Authority of Thailand, abbreviated as AAT, was formed from the act and began operation in July 1, 1979.

The Sa Pathum airfield, previously used as the main field, was replaced by the Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 28, 2006.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport's buildings and facilities were renovated to increase efficiency and responsiveness to travelers' needs.

The growth was expected to continue through 2016 with AOT projecting an 11% increase in combined passenger throughput.

Air freight moved through the airports remained largely stagnant in 2015, with a marginal 0.63% increase to 1.38 million tonnes, reflecting sluggish global trade.

In an attempt to expand the tourism industry and even domestic air transportation, the Thai government recently announced that visitors from low-risk countries can visit Thailand without being quarantined.

[11] On 23 November 2024, AOT's board of directors announced to the Stock Exchange of Thailand that they have agreed to pay 193.08 million baht to King Power Suvarnabhumi Ltd. to acquire the land area for the expansion of the eastern passenger terminal of the Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as the East Expansion project.