Its name after Khlong Prawet Burirom, a canal that flows through the northern area.

In October 2005 the plan to create the special administrative area Nakhon Suvarnabhumi around the new Bangkok airport became public.

The district's motto is "Prawet is green and shady, of particular note is Suan Luang Rama IX, the open university inculcates high moral values and helps to develop model citizens".

Prawet is served by Ban Thap Chang Station of the State Railway of Thailand, whose eastern line and airport rail link runs past the area.

Stations are Srinagarindra 38, Suan Luang Rama IX and Si Udom.