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  • Digital Skills Workshop for Students with Disabilities to Boost Academic Success

    Digital Skills Workshop for Students with Disabilities to Boost Academic Success

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) continues its commitment to educational equality by hosting a workshop aimed at elevating the digital skills of students with disabilities. The initiative is designed to empower them to succeed in Study Plan A2—an undergraduate study track with a 40% continuous assessment component.

    On 15 July 2026, the Office of Educational Services at STOU, through its Support Services for Students with Disabilities unit, launched a workshop titled “Enhancing Academic Potential and Learning Development Through Technology for Plan A2.” Held at Computer Lab 5 in the Chalermprakiat Building, the event aims to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive education.

    The opening ceremony was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kajornsak Sitti, Director of the Office of Educational Services. The workshop welcomed over 30 participants, including students with disabilities and their caregivers. Attendees learned to navigate the essential online learning systems required for “Plan A2″—a highly popular undergraduate track where 40% of the final grade is derived from active participation in the university’s online tutorial sessions.

    Key training modules led by experts from the Office of Educational Technology and the Educational Services Office included:

    • An introduction to the Plan A2 academic structure.
    • Mastering online learning tools and navigating Microsoft Teams.
    • Accessing digital educational media to maximize study efficiency.
    • Submitting assignments and coursework through the university’s e-Learning platform.

    This workshop not only equips students with crucial online learning capabilities to enhance their graduation prospects but also reinforces STOU’s core mission of delivering accessible education for all. Currently, STOU is home to more than 500 students with disabilities, with 20 to 30 individuals graduating each year. This milestone reflects the university’s unwavering vision as a distance-learning open university transitioning into a digital institution dedicated to lifelong learning for everyone.

  • STOU Executives attend ASAIHL Conference 2026 in Malaysia

    From 3 – 6 July 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Haruthai Panyavuttrakul, Dean of the School of Communication Arts, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Pathanin Sangaroon, Director of the Office of Documentation and Information, attended The ASAIHL Conference 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

    Held under the theme “Bridging Borders and Building Futures: Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation in Asia,” the conference aimed to foster strategic partnerships, drive policy development, and build networks among higher education institutions, government agencies, and industries across Asia.

    The event featured a blend of policy forums, keynote executive lectures, academic presentations, and networking sessions. The discussions centered on leveraging digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance lifelong learning, elevate higher education quality, and promote sustainable human resource development in the region. The core sub-themes included:

    • Lifelong Learning for Inclusive & Sustainable Development
    • Digital Transformation & Innovation Education
    • Industry-Academia-Government Partnerships in Upskilling and Reskilling
    • Community Empowerment through Lifelong Learning
    • Policy, Leadership, and Governance in Lifelong Learning
    • Lifelong Learning and the Future of Work in Asia

    The ASAIHL Conference is held twice a year, serving as a global platform for member institutions to strengthen ties, exchange knowledge and experiences in teaching and research, and provide scholars and faculty members with opportunities to present their academic work at an international level.

  • STOU Partners with Institute of Community Colleges to Expand Educational Opportunities and Drive Sustainable Community Development

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and the Institute of Community Colleges (ICC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic and educational management cooperation. The partnership aims to build an educational network, align curricula, and provide community college graduates with direct pathways to pursue bachelor’s degrees. By pooling resources and expertise, both institutions seek to elevate educational quality and foster sustainable community development.

    On Monday, 29 June 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, and Mr. Charoenchai Wongjinda, Director of the Institute of Community Colleges, co-siged the agreement at the Library and Learning Center Building, STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi. Executives and staff from both organizations witnessed the ceremony.

    The core mission of this 5-year agreement is to synergize educational capabilities and resources to develop Thailand’s human resources, address local needs, and support sustainable economic and social growth. The collaboration focuses on equipping citizens with actionable skills to improve their careers and quality of life through several initiatives:

    • Curriculum Alignment & Degree Pathways: Developing certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and training programs tailored to student and community needs. Crucially, ICC graduates will be eligible to seamlessly transition into STOU’s bachelor’s degree programs, creating a continuous learning pathway from associate to higher degrees.
    • Resource Sharing: Sharing personnel, academic insights, facilities, and technology to maximize benefits for students and local communities.
    • Student Support & Outreach: Cooperating on educational counseling, public relations, and student recruitment.
    • Community Engagement: Promoting academic and professional services, local wisdom, arts and culture, and digital learning innovations.

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, emphasized that as an open university utilizing a distance education system, STOU is dedicated to expanding higher education access and promoting lifelong learning. This aligns perfectly with the ICC’s mission to strengthen local communities.

    “This collaboration is a major milestone in connecting and developing our curricula, exchanging knowledge and educational innovations, and co-executing academic service projects that directly address the needs of local economies and regional communities,” Dr. Thaweewat stated.

    The partnership between STOU and the Institute of Community Colleges marks a significant step forward in reducing educational barriers. By creating a flexible, interconnected, and accessible learning pathway, both institutions ensure that citizens across all regions can access higher education equitably and sustainably. A joint working committee will be established to coordinate, drive, monitor, and evaluate the progress of the projects under this agreement to ensure all shared goals are met.

  • Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin Elected as President of the Thai Library Association

    BANGKOK — On 27 June 2026, the newly appointed Executive Committee of the Thai Library Association under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn held its first official meeting for the 2026–2027 term.

    The primary agenda of the meeting was to select the Association’s President and executive officers to lead the 41st Executive Committee over the next two years. In a unanimous decision, the committee elected Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin as the new President of the Thai Library Association.

    About Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin

    Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin is currently a faculty member in the School of Liberal Arts at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). She is a prominent figure in the fields of Library and Information Science, specializing in knowledge management and digital information innovation. With a continuous and proven track record of academic excellence at both national and international levels, Dr. Namtip has long dedicated herself to strengthening and modernizing Thailand’s information professions and academic standards, ensuring they evolve in step with the rapidly changing digital era.

  • STOU Showcases Healthcare and Senior-Focused Podcast Research at Thailand Research Expo 2026

    On 26 June 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) concluded its successful participation in the Thailand Research Expo 2026, which officially closed today. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), presided over the closing ceremony and presented awards to outstanding research contributors. On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sungworn Ngudgratoke, Director of the Research and Development Institute at STOU, represented the university president to receive a plaque of honor for STOU’s active participation.

    The Thailand Research Expo 2026 was held from June 22–26, 2026, on the 22nd floor of the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok. Running under the theme “Research Synergy: Driving Power for a Creative and Sustainable Thai Economy and Society,” the opening ceremony on June 22 was presided over by Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).

    The five-day expo featured cutting-edge research exhibitions and over 100 academic seminars covering economic, social, technological, health, and environmental dimensions. The event served as a major national platform connecting knowledge and innovation with real-world applications while strengthening sustainable development networks.

    STOU’s Featured Innovations

    This year, STOU prominently presented two outstanding research projects tailored to modern societal needs:

    • Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention: A project titled “The Effects of a Program to Enhance the Screening and Health Communication Capabilities of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease,” led by Assoc. Prof. Maj. Dr. Napaphen Jantacumma and Asst. Prof. Dr. Songpon Phadungphattanakul.
      This research was presented in an oral presentation session on June 22.
    • Educational Podcasts for Seniors: An innovative project titled “Acoustic Innovation for Happiness: Enhancing Distance Learning Opportunities for the Elderly (Podcast),” led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phisit Nadprasert and his team. This initiative reinforces STOU’s leadership in distance education by utilizing modern, accessible podcast formats. The media aims to eliminate learning barriers and foster lifelong learning opportunities for older adults. The project was on public display at Exhibition Booth DL18 throughout the event.

  • STOU’s Intellectual Repository Certified as National Model for Digital Information Management Standards

    On 22 June 2026, Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology, and International Affairs at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), officially accepted a certificate recognizing the university’s digital repository as a national model for quality digital archive management, complying with the National Digital Repository Publication Standards (MTCh/Publication Standard 2001-2567).

    This recognition was awarded to the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Intellectual Repository (STOUIR), developed by the Office of Documentation and Information. STOUIR successfully passed rigorous assessments to be certified as a “Model Digital Information Repository,” reflecting the dedication and high capability in developing digital archives to meet stringent national standards.

    The award ceremony took place at the Thailand Research Expo 2026, held under the theme “Research Synergy: Driving Power for a Creative and Sustainable Thai Economy and Society” at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.

    The STOU Intellectual Repository (https://ir.stou.ac.th) serves as the university’s centralized platform for compiling dissertations, theses, independent studies, and journal articles. Operated via the open-source software DSpace and utilizing the Dublin Core Metadata standard,
    the repository was developed entirely by the technical team at the Office of Documentation and Information.

    The initiative and detailed standard compliance documentation were spearheaded under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Krittika Jiwalak, the former Director of the Office of Documentation and Information. Supported by STOU, the repository participated as a model agency in the institutional assessment and certification system project initiated by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). Having successfully cleared all evaluations in 2024 (B.E. 2567), the official certification has been validified spanning four years, effective from 16 February 2026, to 15 February 2030.

  • STOU Liberal Arts Co-Hosts Asian Literacy Conference 2026, Exploring “Multilingual Literacy in the Age of AI”

    BANGKOK, 26 June 2026 — The School of Liberal Arts at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), in collaboration with the International Literacy Association (ILA), the Thailand Literacy Association (TiLA), Chulalongkorn University, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Library Network, and the Thai Library Association under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, successfully co-hosted the international academic conference, Asian Literacy Conference 2026.

    Held from 18-19 June 2026, at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), the conference centered around the timely theme “Multilingual Literacy in the Age of AI.” The event aimed to elevate and drive new directions for language learning and literacy advancement amidst the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

    The international forum was officially opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology, and International Affairs, representing the President of STOU. Asst. Prof. Vasan Rattanapoka, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, warmly welcomed international delegates.

    This significant gathering was made possible through an extensive network of domestic and international scholars, coordinated by Emeritus Prof. Dr. Namtip Wipawin, President of TiLA and a member of the executive committee for STOU’s Ph.D. program in Information Science (School of Liberal Arts).

    Highlights of the Two-Day Conference

    18 June 2026 | Study Tour & Network Building

    Delegates embarked on a study tour at the Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University. This was followed by a meeting of the International Development in Asia Committee (IDAC), which brought together literacy association representatives from across Asia, including Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.

    A key highlight was a special session by Mr. Sakil Malik, Chief Growth and Strategy Advisor for Childhood Education International, who shared insights on applying research to improve education and literacy at both community and organizational levels. The day also featured poster presentations from local and international researchers.

    June 19, 2026 | Keynote & Panel Discussions

    The second day focused on special lectures and academic presentations regarding multilingual literacy and AI literacy. A major highlight was the panel discussion on “Case Studies of Multilingual Literacy in the Age of AI,” moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Lugsamee Nuamthanom Kimura from STOU’s School of Liberal Arts.

    Distinguished international speakers included Dr. Merlene Alon, Ms. Linda Warfel,
    Dr. Rizalina C. Labanda, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Banjerd Jongapirattanakul, who exchanged diverse perspectives on reshaping literacy development in the current era of AI revolution. Co-hosting this prestigious international conference underscores the vital role of STOU’s School of Liberal Arts in fostering global academic networks. By promoting knowledge in literacy, lifelong learning, and educational digital technology, STOU continues to empower learners to thrive and work effectively in today’s fast-evolving digital and AI-driven society.

  • STOU Holds Memorial Service for Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha

    On 15 June 2026, at 9:00 AM, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) held a solemn memorial service for Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Krom Luang Ratchasarinee Siripatchara Maha Weeraratthida at the main auditorium of Phitthayaphat Building.

    The ceremony was presided over by Professor Emeritus Tongthong Chandransu, Chairman of the STOU University Council, and attended by university executives, faculty members, and staff.

    During the service, the STOU community expressed their deepest gratitude for Her Royal Highness’s boundless royal benevolence. Throughout her life, the Princess dedicated herself to numerous royal duties and initiatives aimed at fostering the well-being of the public and the nation.

    Her notable contributions included her leadership in reforming the judicial system and improving the quality of life for underprivileged groups through the “Kamlangjai” (Inspire) Project. Furthermore, her extensive humanitarian relief work through the “Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society” stands as a testament to her profound compassion for the Thai people.

    The university executives, faculty, and staff also gathered to honor the outstanding capabilities and academic achievements of Her Royal Highness, who was one of the university’s most distinguished alumnae.

    Princess Bajrakitiyabha graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Political Science in International Relations and Comparative Politics, from STOU. She achieved First-Class Honors and received her degree alongside the Golden Tri Sorn Pin (an award for outstanding academic excellence) during the graduation ceremony on 17 January 2001, at Amporn Sathan Throne Hall. This achievement remains a source of ultimate pride and honor for the university. To allow the public to express their condolences, STOU has provided a book of condolence. Faculty, staff, and the general public are invited to sign their names at Parichat Lawn, located at the front of the university campus.

  • STOU Celebrates Visakha Bucha Day

    On 29 May 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) hosted a Buddhist merit-making ceremony to mark the upcoming Visakha Bucha Day (31 May 2026). The event also served as the official launch of the university’s campaign promoting the wearing of applied Thai dress and local fabrics every Friday, aligning with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation’s (MHESI) ‘Wear Thai with Pride’ campaign.

    The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU. Key religious activities included:

    • Offering alms and dried food to 9 Buddhist monks.
    • Listening to Dhamma teachings and receiving blessings.
    • A candlelit circumambulation (Wien Tien) around the Ho Phra Phut Ming Mongkhon Dhammasathan, which houses the university’s sacred Buddha image.

    In addition to the religious ceremonies, STOU encouraged its staff to wear applied Thai traditional outfits or local fabrics. This initiative directly supports the MHESI policy that invites personnel to wear Thai textiles every Friday to honor and preserve the nation’s unique cultural identity.

    To add a contemporary touch and promote Thai Soft Power, the organizing committee introduced “Bua Phab Rap Boon”—exquisitely folded lotus flowers for participants to use during the ceremony. Attendees were invited to take photos with their lotus flowers in front of the shrine while dressed in traditional attire.

    This activity taps into the current social media trend where people enjoy dressing in traditional costumes to check in at cultural landmarks. The event successfully blended timeless traditions with modern lifestyles, beautifully reflecting STOU’s ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting Thai arts and culture to the public.