On 1 November 2024, a team led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Junya Singkham, Faculty Member of the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, delivered donated medicines and medical supplies to Deputy Director of Umphang Hospital.
STOU collaborated with the Thai Volunteer Service (TVS) to sort the donated medicines and medical supplies before delivering them to Umphang Hospital. These activities align with STOU’s commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Umphang Hospital, a district hospital in Umphang district, serves over 94,000 patients, of whom 44,000 lack healthcare coverage. By donating these medicines to Umphang Hospital, STOU aims to support both the local community and hospitals in Umphang district. This initiative helps ensure that valuable medications are utilized effectively and reach those in need, preventing waste.
On 14 October 2024, a delegation from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Acting President Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, visited Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Islamabad, Pakistan. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen academic cooperation between the two institutions. The STOU delegation met with AIOU administrators and held discussions with the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Sciences and Humanities (SS&H).
AIOU, established in May 1975, is the largest open university in Pakistan, with over 1 million enrolled students. The university offers more than 300 programs and over 3,500 courses, and it has 54 regional campuses.
Both STOU and AIOU share a long-standing relationship of over 30 years and were among the founding institutions of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU). This visit aimed to further solidify the existing partnership and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
A delegation from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Acting President Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, participated in the 37th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU 2024) held in Islamabad, Pakistan from 15-17 October 2024. The theme of the conference was “Expanding Horizons: Innovation in Open and Distance Learning.”
The conference aimed to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to present and discuss a wide range of topics related to open learning and distance education as well as foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among members of the Asian Association of Open Universities. The key topics discussed at the conference included: – Increasing access and quality in ODL – Innovative delivery modes – The impact of rapidly evolving educational technologies such as Generative AI – Learner support systems – The effects of Covid-19 period on open and distance learning practices – Management of ODL – New pedagogical approaches – Re-considering the roles of open universities – Online assessment and evaluation
Among over 270 participants from 22 countries attended the AAOU 2024 conference, STOU administrators have involved in the following events in conference: Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President, and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs, represented STOU at the AAOU General Board Meeting. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, was honored by the AAOU as the Chair of the Adjudication Committee for the AAOU Young Innovator Award 2024. He also chaired a session on “Increasing access and quality in ODL.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khajornsak Sitthi, Director of the Office of Educational Services, served as a Member of the Adjudication Committee for the Best Paper Award 2024.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU and Mr. William Sparks, Thailand Country Director/ Chief of Winrock
On October 11, 2024, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, welcomed representatives from the USDA Thailand Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN), also known as Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development. Led by Mr. William Sparks, Thailand Country Director/Chief of Party, the delegation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with STOU. The MOU signing ceremony took place at the STOU Administration Building.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, signed the MOU with Mr. William Sparks, witnessed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Janenarong Tiensawang, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, along with Faculty Members and the Winrock team.
This signing establishes a cooperative network with Winrock International, a leading internationally recognized organization in social development, agriculture, and environmental conservation. Their goals include creating opportunities for the economically disadvantaged, conserving natural resources, and developing sustainable agriculture.
This collaboration focuses on research in climate-smart innovations and information technology in Nonthaburi Province, aiming to increase productivity, reduce costs, and increase farmers’ income. It also includes academic services and the transfer of climate-smart technology and innovations to farmers in Nonthaburi Province and neighboring areas.
After the ceremony session, the WINROCK team visited the Urban Agricultural Learning Center in STOU, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Buntarika Nuntha, Deputy Dean of the School of Agriculture and Cooperative and Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichat Dittakit, Director of the Department of Rajamangalaphisek Education Park and Faculty Members of the School of Agriculture and Cooperative.
On 10 October 2024, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) singned a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mr. Nopphol Buathongsri, Board of OPTNET (Thailand) company. This partnership aims to develop a Digital Media Dissemination System for Distance Education at STOU, known as the “STOU Media System.” The MOU signing ceremony took place at the Educational Broadcasting Production Center (EBPC).
This agreement seeks to develop the STOU Media System to distribute and promote educational media for STOU’s distance learning programs. The system will provide students, learners, and the public with access to digital media services and a variety of open learning resources. These resources can be used for learning, skill development, gaining experience, and lifelong personal development.
On 17-21 September 2024, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, attended the 27th Governing Board Meeting and International Seminar (GBM), which was hosted by SEAMEO Regional Open Learning Centre (SEAMOLEC) and Sekolah Vokasi Universitas Gadjah Mada. The seminar was held in the historic city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
During the meeting, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda presented a paper titled “Using Power AI to Enhance Student Retention: A Hybrid Recommendation System for Reducing Dropout Rates at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University.” He was selected as the Chairperson of the SEAMOLEC GBM and exchanged valuable experiences with administrators and representatives from other countries.
On 9-11 September 2024, the Sports Committee of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) led by Dr. Tejtasin Phiasai, Acting Assistant to the President of STOU, attended a seminar of the University Sports Board of Thailand 2024. The seminar was held on the topic “Student Development and Promotion of Sports for Health – Eco-friendly and Sustainable Approach,” at the Khum Phucome Hotel, Chiang Mai. On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Chusit Pradabpet, the Chairman of the University Sports Board of Thailand, presided over the opening ceremony. This seminar hosts over 250 attendees including esteemed guests, administrators, and staff from a variety of Thai universities.
The seminar has been continuously promoted and supported annually by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation. Given that sports are activities that help develop graduates’ quality in various aspects alongside academic knowledge. Sports serve as a recreational activity that enhances physical health, promotes positive mental well-being, cultivates moral and ethical values, and ultimately creates sustainability across multiple social dimensions for communities and the nation. The primary objective of this seminar is to facilitate collaborative thinking, analysis, and synthesis of knowledge and experiences, thereby enhancing sports potential, generating social value, and contributing to sustainable national development.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), a member of the University Sports Network of Thailand, is committed to promoting and supporting student athletes. STOU organizes internal sports competitions among student clubs across different regions and actively participates in external competitions, including the annual Thailand University Sports Championships. By consistently sending student athletes to these events, STOU recognizes the numerous benefits that sports offer, such as improved physical and mental health, enhanced social skills, and personal development.
On 14 September 2024, at the Pak Nam Prasae Mangrove Forest Learning Center in Rayong Province, Asst. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri, Dean of School of Communication Arts of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supaporn Sridi, and Asst. Prof. Hareuthai Panyarvuttrakul, led a group of doctoral students in Communication Innovation for Political and Local Administration, to participate in a mangrove planting and crab release activity. Joining them were Mr. Chairat Uattarakul, Mayor of Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict, members of the Subdistrict Council, and local residents. A total of 27 individuals from the university participated in this collaborative effort to contribute to the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem.
The Pak Nam Prasae Mangrove Forest covers 6,000 rai and is the most fertile mangrove forest in the Eastern region of Thailand. Previously, this mangrove forest was devastated by shrimp farming encroachment and community expansion, turning it into a degraded forest. Eventually, government agencies collaborated with communities and private entities to restore the mangrove forest, replanting thousands of rai and developing it as a tourist destination to enable sustainable coexistence between the community and the forest.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, presided over the ceremony.
On the occasion of the 46th anniversary of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University on 5 September 2024, the university organized activities under the theme “Continuing the legacy of the Royal Intent for Distance Education” to commemorate His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of the Royal Birthday Celebration of 6 Cycles on July 28, 2024.
In recognition of His Majesty’s invaluable patronage, the event honored his significant contributions to education. His Majesty’s personal experience as a distance learner at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), where he earned honors in Law in 1988, highlights his commitment to accessible education. His continuous support for STOU, including presiding over graduation ceremonies, has brought immense joy and inspiration to graduates and faculty alike.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suchittra Luangamornlert, President of Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council, delivering a speechAsst. Prof. Dr. Amornpun Sereemaspun, M.D., Chula Medical Innovation Center (CMIC) of Chulalongkorn University, delivering a speech
The School of Nursing organized an academic conference on 6 September 2024, at the Aneknithat Building of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University to carry on the royal aspiration for distance education in advancing health and nursing. Before the conference began, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of STOU, presided over a ceremony to pay royal tribute to His Majesty the King. Distinguished speakers included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suchittra Luangamornlert, President of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Thailand, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amornpun Sereemaspun, M.D., Director of the Chula Medical Innovation Center (CMIC) at Chulalongkorn University.
The School of Agriculture and Cooperatives organized a project to commemorate His Majesty the King’s contributions to agriculture, following the royal initiatives, on 5 September 2024, at the first-floor lobby of Academic Building 3. The event featured a panel discussion with distinguished guests including Mr. Ennoo Suesuwan, a member of the National Economic and Social Development Board, Mr. Sunai Setboonsarng, former Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and member of the Honorable Commission of Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), Mr. Pongsak Doungyotha, Director of the Royal Project Development Office, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and Mr. Adul Wichianchai, a Young Smart Farmer and a model farmer in the Kok Nong Na Model project. Professor Emeritus Dr. Dusit Wetchakit served as the moderator.
In addition to the academic activities, a blood donation campaign was organized as a social service activity to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 60th birthday anniversary on 28 July 2024. The Human Resources Division, in collaboration with the National Blood Center, Thai Red Cross Society, organized a volunteer project titled STOU’s strong minds unite blood donation’s pure delight. On 11 September 2024, at the Sukhothai Room, Aneknithat Building, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of STOU, along with Vice-Presidents, Assistant to the Presidents, Deans, Directors, Faculty Members, and staff, participated in the event.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) hosted the Provincial University Library Network National Conference (PULINET) 2024, from 9-11 September, 2024.
The conference, themed “Transforming the Strategic Plan of Provincial University Library Network 2024-2028 into Action: Development Direction and Operational Drive,” took place at the Aneknitat Building on the STOU headquarters. Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, welcomed the attendees and delivered the opening speech.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOUAssoc. Prof. Krittika Jiwaluk, Director of Office of Documentation and InformationAssoc. Prof. Dr. Namtip Wipawin delivering the speech
The purpose of this meeting is to bring together working groups from 20 member institutions of the Provincial University Library Network (PULN) to collaborate with the Executive Committee. The goal is to review, consider, and plan the operational development of the network in alignment with the PULN Strategic Plan 2024-2028. By doing so, the network aims to achieve its vision of becoming a strong and sustainable library network that supports member universities’ missions with the highest quality.
The specific objectives of the network include:
Promoting shared use of information resources
Encouraging knowledge exchange between members
Promoting the use of digital technology to create opportunities for accessing and utilizing information resources
Developing network personnel to effectively acquire skills that keep pace with modern technology
