Prince Chantaburi Naruenat was born on 8 June 1874 with the birth name Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana. He was the 12th son of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) and Chao Chom Manda Uam. His early education began under Phraya Srisunthonwohan (Noi Acharyangura), one of the leading royal teachers of the time. In 1883 he entered Phratamnak Suankularb School, and in 1885 he was sent to study in England. He was among the first group of royal sons to receive education abroad, a new initiative by King Rama V to bring modern knowledge into Siam.

After returning to Siam, he held many important positions during his lifetime. These included Privy Councillor, Special Royal Guard, Minister of the Royal Treasury (Finance), Minister of Commerce, President of the Privy Council, and senior royal adviser. He became the founder of the Kitiyakara family. Prince Chantaburi Naruenat was highly skilled in finance and economics. He initiated the establishment of the Government Savings Bank to encourage ordinary people to deposit their money safely and to protect it from theft and fire. 

He modernised the Ministry of Commerce by creating the Department of Commerce and Statistical Forecasting, bringing in foreign experts to advise on specialised work, and introducing examinations to recruit qualified civil servants.He introduced modern standards for weights and measures, encouraged the formation of cooperatives, and reorganised trade practices. He also implemented government monopolies on alcohol and opium, with the long-term goal of controlling and eventually reducing opium use among the population.

In addition, he drafted new laws and regulations for the customs system, reformed tax collection methods, and made the revenue system more modern and suited to changing circumstances. Prince Chantaburi Naruenat passed away in 1931, leaving behind a legacy as a moderniser who strengthened Siam’s financial, economic, and administrative foundations.