On 14 August 2024, Prof. Dr. Ojat Darojat, President of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) and the Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Republic of Indonesia, visited Thailand with his delegation. Prof. Dr. Ojat Darojat took this opportunity to visit STOU Headquarters and meet with Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), at the president office on the 5th floor of the Administration Building. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen relations and discuss the upcoming ICDBSE 2024 which will be hold at STOU during 13 -14 November 2024.
Congratulations to the STOU course teams for having granted 2024 Thai MOOC Award – Outstanding Online Course in “Outstanding Government Personnel Development Courses” and “Elderly Caregivers Courses Supporting Thailand’s Aging Society” at the 15th TCU International e-Learning Conference: MOOC for Lifelong Learning Summit and EXPO (IEC2024), organized by the Thailand Cyber University Project, Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, on 14-15 August 2024, at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Smaksmorn Phakdeeteva, Office of Educational Technology, accepting the awardProfessor Emeritus Dr. Boontip Siritarungsri, School of Nursing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamolrat Intaratat, School of Communication Arts, Assoc. Prof. Pol.Lt.Col. Dr. Sukaroon Wongtim, School of Educational Studies, accompanied by STOU course team members
The IEC2024 Conference was held under the theme “Lifelong Learning Transformation: Entering the World of Artificial Intelligence in Education Era.” Prof. Dr. Supachai Patumnakul, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, presided over the opening ceremony.
The objective of the conference was to promote academic knowledge sharing and exchange ideas on curriculum development with international institutions, aiming to gain widespread global recognition.
To promote open online learning management (Thailand Massive Open Online Course:Thai MOOC), which is under the supervision of the Thailand Cyber University Development Project, the conference included an award ceremony for outstanding online courses, the 2024 Thai MOOC Award.” Prof. Dr. Jintavee Khlaisang, Deputy Director of Thailand Cyber University (TCU), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, presented the awards.
There were 10 categories of Outstanding Online Course Award. STOU courses received awards in 2 categories:
Outstanding Government Personnel Development Courses, received by the project leader, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Smaksmorn Phakdeeteva, Faculty Member of STOU’s Office of Educational Technology.
Elderly Caregivers Supporting Thailand’s Aging Society Courses, received by the project leader, Professor Emeritus Dr. Boontip Siritarungsri, Faculty Member of STOU’s School of Nursing.
The course team members also attended the award ceremony including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamolrat Intaratat and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyachat Lomchawakarn from the School of Communication Arts, Assoc. Prof. Pol.Lt.Col. Dr. Sukaroon Wongtim from the School of Educational Studies, Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonchai Waleetorncheepsawat from the School of Science and Technology, Asst. Prof. Aphiradee Saranrom and Asst. Prof. Dr. Narubodee Wathanakom from the School of Management Science, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Phisit Nadprasert from the Office of Educational Technology.
The award-winning ” Outstanding Government Personnel Development Courses” is a collaborative effort between STOU and the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC). It consists of 15 courses designed to develop skills and enhance the capabilities of civil servants and personnel in government agencies. Each course features lectures from numerous distinguished speakers, including M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, CEO of Mae Fah Luang Foundation, and Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation. One of the most successful courses is “Google Tools for Work Development,” focusing on the digital literacy skills development. The success shows in the high number of registrations, with over 37,000 users registered. More than 25,125 online certificates have been issued to those who passed the course evaluation, with a high pass rate of 68% of registered learners.
“The Elderly Caregivers Supporting Thailand’s Aging Society” course block consists of 14 courses. Led by Professor Emeritus Dr. Boontip Siritarungsri, Faculty Member of STOU’s School of Nursing, the course team developed an “Innovative Curriculum for Elderly Caregivers in the Digital Society,” featuring advance elderly care courses totaling 420 hours, of which 200 learning hours are provided as online courses on the Thai MOOC platform. The courses were developed using a research-based approach to benefit both elderly caregivers and the elderly themselves, allowing them to learn about self-care and how to care for family members. The course team include experts from STOU, Srisavarindhira Thai Red Cross Institute of Nursing, and other institutions, as well as independent scholars who share their knowledge and expertise.
On 7 August 2024, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) welcomed Professor Michiko Takagaki, Senior Advisor for Academic Collaboration of Chiba University, Japan. The purpose of this visit is to exchange knowledge about teaching and research management with the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, as well as the production of teaching and learning materials.
Professor Michiko Takagaki visited a symbolic building of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University “Sala Phum Khao Bin”, Sala Phum Khao Bin is situated in the middle of a pond with Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichat Dittakit, Director of Department of Rajamangalaphisek Education Park as her guide and serves as an exhibition space for university’s history and Lifelong Learning in Thailand. Professor Takagaki also observed the production of distance learning media at Educational Broadcasting Production Center (EBPC), where Asst. Prof. Dr. Pimprapa Phanphai, Faculty member of Officeof Educational Technology, led on the tour of our facilities. She also visited the Sukhothai Thammathirat Thai Medicine Clinic, which is a facility for professional practice in STOU Thai Traditional Medicine Clinic. The clinic provides Thai medical treatment to both the university staff and the public. Asst. Prof. Dr. Puangpaka Tankitjanon, Faculty Member of School of Health Science, joined to lead the clinic tour.
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) organized “The walking, running, cycling” event to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 6-cycle birthday on 28 July 2024. Universities and higher education institutions under the Ministry in Bangkok and nearby provinces, as well as across the country, simultaneously joined this event on 4 August 2024.
The official opening ceremony was held at Kasetsart University, Bang Khen, presided over by Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, accompanied by Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary of MHESI. Executives from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of MHESI and various universities also attended the event. The activities included cycling, running, and walking. Among 1,200 participants were STOU’s faculty and staff who joined the 10 km run and 3 km walk.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Theerawut Thammakul, Faculty Member of the School of Health Science received the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award in the Researcher category from the Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Theerawut Thammakul
Dr.P.H. (Public Health Program), Khon Kaen University
M.Sc. (Public Health), Mahidol University
B.P.H. (Public Health), Mahasarakham University
Dip. (Dental Public Health), Sirindhorn College of Public Health Yala
On 31 July 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, presided over the opening of “One Dr. One Tambon” academic outreach project on the topic of “Soil, Water, and Fertilizer Management for Urban Agriculture in Nonthaburi.”
The event was organized by the Rajamangalaphisek Education Park, aiming to support and share knowledge and innovations in soil, water, and fertilizer management as well as to create cooperation and network connections for urban agriculture in Nonthaburi. There were 40 farmers from Ko Kret, Nonthaburi, participating in the session.
At the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television (TV5) on 30 July 2024, a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony took place between the TV5HD and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) to combine efforts for public benefits.
Lt. Gen. Chamnan Changsat, Director-General of the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station (TV5), and Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU). This MOU aims to foster cooperation in resource utilization, exchange of training and study visits, academic collaboration, and other activities that will lead to public benefits.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri, Dean, School of Communication Arts of STOU, was signing as a witness of the MOU.Lt. Gen. Siripong Pocharakanokkul, Deputy Director-General of Administration of TV5, was signing as a witness of the MOU.Board of TV5 met with faculty members of the School of Communication Arts
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU said “The university is a distance education university with missions in teaching, research, social services, and learning, conserving, and disseminating Thai arts and culture. We integrate knowledge for the sustainable benefit of society and the nation. We transfer experiences to learners through a multimedia teaching system that provides educational opportunities for people to develop their potential and apply the knowledge gained for self-improvement. This aligns with the mission of the TV5, which focuses on being a medium for creating and disseminating news on security and beneficial knowledge to the public, as well as promoting national security in all dimensions.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU was giving an interview.
This signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of STOU and TV5’s collaboration to advance and develop the dissemination of teaching and contemporary knowledge for maximum benefit to the public.
With a faculty of knowledgeable researchers and experienced professionals, our School of Communication Arts is excited to collaborate with the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station to drive innovation and growth.
In honor of His Majesty the King’s 6-cycle birthday celebration, marking His Majesty’s 72nd birthday on 28 July 2024, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) joined An Oath of Allegiance Ceremony for Being Good Civil Servants at Sanam Luang.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanasak Saijampa, Acting Vice-President for Strategy, Planning, Digital Technology, and Human Resources, and Mr. Apiwan Jarernlap, Director of the Central Division led the delegation to join the ceremony.
Mr. Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister, presided over and led the officials taking the oath of allegiance to become lawful civil servants. The event was attended by the cabinet, political officials, Thailand higher level of government officers from all sectors.
On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda also presented a flower vase before the portrait of His Majesty the King and sign a blessing book of His Majesty’s 72nd birthday at Sahathai Samakhom in the Grand Palace.
In honor of His Majesty the King’s 6-cycle birthday celebration, marking His Majesty’s 72nd birthday on 28 July 2024, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized ‘SUJIT: STOU Volunteer,’ featuring several volunteer activities on 26 July 2024.
STOU joined hands with a number of neighboring community, including Pakkret Municipality, Bang Phut Canal Community, Muang Thong Thani Public Company Limited and its affiliates, the Department of Lands, Wat Phasuk Maneechak School, Government Savings Bank, Krungthai Bank, UOB Bank, Taokaenoi Food & Marketing Public Company Limited, and S&P Syndicate Public Company Limited. Over 500 participants joined the event.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, led the ‘Urban Forest Planting’ activity, in which participants planted 72 Ratchapruek (golden shower) trees in Rajamangalaphisek Education Park of STOU. The volunteers then proceeded to clean footpaths and canals around the university campus.
The event featured also skills development activities with the aim to improve quality of life of the participants by making additional income from new skills.
