Chachanat Thebtaranonth holds a Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Liverpool and did post-doctoral training at Cornell University. She taught at Mahidol University, Bangkok, from 1972-1993, and became a full Professor in 1989. Her research areas covered the chemistry of natural products and organic synthesis.

In 1993 Chachanat joined the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) as the Science Park Project Director and in 1995 became Vice-President of NSTDA. She spearheaded the development of Thailand Science Park and was elected the first Asian and woman President of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) in 2006-2008. She also initiated the establishment of the Thai Business Incubator and Science Park Association (Thai BISPA) and became the first president of the association in 2008.

In 2004 Chachanat established the Technology Management Center (TMC) of NSTDA which focused on developing industrial competitiveness through science and technology. She pioneered several SME support programs under TMC such as the Industrial Technology Assistance Program (ITAP), the Technology Licensing Office, the Technology Incubator, the NSTDA Low-Interest Loan, the Certification of Company R&D expenditure for double tax exemption, and the NSTDA Investment Center.