After the 9/11 attacks (on September 11st, 2001), the World Customs Organization (WCO) became aware of the global supply chain security system and international trade. To address this, WCO emphasized the need for secure supply chain procedure from source to end. This led to the establishment of the Standard Framework to secure and facilitate global trade called SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (WCO SAFE FoS). 

One of the main mechanisms of the WCO SAFE FoS is the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. WCO members?have submitted the Letter of Intent to implement this Standard Framework. As a WCO member, Thailand also adopted the SAFE FoS by signing the Letter of Intent on May 9th, 2006. This express Thailand's intention to implement the WCO SAFE FoS and stimulate awareness of global supply chain security between Thai Customs and private sectors. The AEO Programme implementation has been taken since 2007 and continues onward.

Thailand's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme?originated from the Letter of Intent signed on May 9th, 2006. Its purpose was to stimulate awareness of  international supply chain safety for Thai Customs Department and the private sector.?Additionally, the programme aimed to strengthen supply chain security, enhance national competitiveness in international trade, and facilitate Customs procedures for importers and exporters.

Thai AEO Programme was fully implemented in 2011 following the successful launch of an AEO Pilot Project for exporters and importers in 2009. In 2013, the Programme was expanded to cover not only importers and exporters but also customs brokers. To further strengthen the AEO Programme, Thai Customs established a specific division in January 2014 called the AEO Standard Section. This section is under the Customs Standard Procedures and Valuation Division.

The number of applicants and AEO operators, including importers/exporters and customs brokers, can be found in the List of AEOs tab, subheading: Importers/Exporters and Customs Broker.