Prince Dhani served many Thai monarchs as Minister of Education and as President of the Privy Council; in the latter capacity he acted as regent for King Bhumibol Adulyadej on three separate occasions.

As Prince Dhaninivat was born right after the end of his father's posting abroad his name meant "Returning to the City" (of Bangkok).

In 1898 at the age of 13, Prince Dhaninivat was ordained as a Samanera or novice monk in the Buddhist Sangha, as was customary for all Thai males.

He then went on to study Oriental Languages at Merton College, Oxford (namely Pali and Sanskrit) and graduated with second-class honours.

[3] In the reign of King Prajadhipok he was appointed acting-Minister of Education after the resignation of Chaophraya Thammasakmontri, afterwards he took over the ministry as its principal minister on 3 August 1926.

[4][5] After the Siamese revolution of 1932, the prince and all members of the extended royal family was removed from the government by the Khana Ratsadon (the People's party).

[9] After the king's permanent return to Thailand in 1952, the prince continued to serve as president of the Privy Council.