My Company

Author: admin

  • 2024 OU5 Meeting in Yogyakarta: Advancing Open and Distance Higher Education in Southeast Asia

    2024 OU5 Meeting in Yogyakarta: Advancing Open and Distance Higher Education in Southeast Asia

    STOU Administrators and Researchers
    STOU Administrators and Researchers in Thai traditional costume

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, accompanied by Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Acting Director of Department of International Affairs and 5 Researchers consisted of Asst. Prof. Dr. Poom Juasiripukdee, Dean of School of Science and Technology, Assoc. Prof Dr. Sungworn Ngudgratoke, Director of Institute for Research and Development and Faculty Member of School of Education Studies, Asst. Prof. Dr. Adirek Vajrapatkul, Faculty Member of School of Economics, Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Faculty Member of School of Health Science and Dr. Choneratt Suriyarangsun, Faculty Member of School of Liberal Arts, traveled to Yogyakarta, Indonesia to join the OU5 meeting which was organized from 24 – 26 April 2024 by Universitas Terbuka (UT). The Open Universities 5 (OU5) Meeting opens an opportunity of bringing together representatives from 5 leading open and distance learning institutions in Southeast Asia:

    • Universitas Terbuka (UT), Indonesia
    • Open University Malaysia (OUM), Malaysia
    • Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), Thailand
    • University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Philippines
    • Hanoi Open University (HOU), Vietnam
    2024 OU5 Presidential Meeting

    Shared Commitment to Excellence

    The OU5 network strengthens the collaboration and knowledge sharing among its members, promoting institutional development and research in ASEAN studies. This year’s meeting focused on strategic discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing open and distance higher education in the region.

    Key Discussion Points

    • Progress on 2024 Research Projects: Participants reviewed the progress of ongoing research projects and identified areas for further collaboration.
    • Nominations for project leaders for 2025 research projects were discussed and the schedule for the first online meeting was finalized.
    • Establishment of a Shared Repository for OU5 Outputs and Documents: A shared repository to store OU5 outputs and documents was established to facilitate access and collaboration.
    • The development of an AAOU Quality Assurance Framework was discussed to promote shared standards and best practices.
    • The status of testing for the benchmarking instrument was reviewed to ensure its effectiveness in measuring performance.
    • The ICDE Global Advocacy Campaign Asia was discussed to explore ways to promote open and distance education in the region.
    • The potential of micro-credentials in open and distance education was explored to recognize and certify skills and competencies.
    • Invitation to join the ICDBSE 2024 Conference and ICDE Global Advocacy Campaign Asia Working Groups Meeting at STOU, Thailand scheduled from 13-14 November 2024.
    STOU research presentation
    Research presentation

    Research Agenda 2024

    OU5 researchers identified several key research themes for 2024:

    • Inclusive Education: Providing Quality Education for All
    • Artificial intelligence (AI) in digital education
    • Promoting Sustainable Industrialisation (SDG 9) in ASEAN Region (smart manufacturing, employability & decent work, green grown (SDG9) as the selected agenda)
    • Counseling Services at OU5 to Promote Good Mental Health in ASEAN
    • Preserving ASEAN Culture in Digital Age

    2024 OU5 Presidential Meeting
    Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, Chancellor of UPOU

    International Community Service and Collaboration

    The OU5 meeting reaffirmed the commitment of participating institutions to engage in international community service initiatives, aiming to make a positive impact on global communities and promote cross-cultural understanding. The OU5 meeting also served as a valuable opportunity for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and strengthening collaboration among open and distance learning institutions in Southeast Asia including sharing the commitment to excellence and the focus on strategic initiatives that will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of open and distance higher education in the region.

    The next OU5 Meeting was scheduled to be held in the Philippines but the date would be finalized later.

  • STOU Faculty Member and Alumni appointed CCPH Committee Member

    STOU Faculty Member and Alumni appointed CCPH Committee Member

    Congratulations to Associate Professor Dr. Warangkana Chankong, Dean of the School of Health Science, and other seven STOU Alumni on the appointment as Committee Members of Thailand’s Council of Community Public Health according to Article 13 (8) of the Community Health Professions Act, B.E. 2556 (2013).

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Warangkana Chankong
    Faculty Member, Public Health Program
    Dean, School of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vorapoj Promasatayaprot
    Deputy Director of Office of General Education, Mahasarakham University
    Alumni of Bachelor of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
    Mr. Chamnan Meemoon
    Dan Sai District Public Health Executive
    Alumni of Bachelor of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
    Dr. Krittiwat Chatthong
    Public Health Technical Officer – Professional Level, Chumphon Khet Udomsak Hospital
    Alumni of Bachelor of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
    Dr. Sutthisak Surirak
    Sirindhorn College of Public Health Suphanburi
    Alumni of Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health and Safety and Master of Public Health in Industrial Environment Management, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
    Mr. Pattapol Akkho
    Alumni of Bachelor of Laws, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
    Mr. Somjai Sudjit
    Public Health Technical Officer – Professional Level
    Alumni of Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
    Adj. Asst. Prof. Dr. Somtakul Rasiri
    Alumni of Bachelor of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University

    The Council of Community-Public Health (CCPH) was established under the Community Public Health Profession Act B.E. 2556 (2013). The CCPH plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and safety of community public health practice in Thailand. It is a juristic person with the following responsibilities: issuing licenses to community public health practitioners, considering the suspension or revocation of licenses, certifying degrees, diplomas, or certificates for the practice of community public health, certifying the competence of community public health practitioners, promoting education and research in community public health, and overseeing and regulating the provision of services by community public health practitioners.

  • 2024 Songkran Celebration at STOU

    2024 Songkran Celebration at STOU

    11 April 2024 – Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) held an annual event of Songkran, celebrating the Thai New Year under the theme “Songkran: Water Festival the Thai Way.” The event featured Song Nam Phra – water pouring over Buddha statues as a way to make merit, Rod Nam Dam Hua – water pouring on elders’ hands to seek blessings, Thai traditional performances, and a cultural workshop.

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University organizes Songkran Festival annually to preserve the nation’s valuable traditions and culture. This year’s event staged Central Thai cultural performances, including: “Ayutthaya Maha Songkran” dance performance by the Office of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Classical Dance and Drama Program, Phranakhon Rajabhat University, “Thai Children’s Traditional Games” performance by students of Jutiporn Kindergarten, “Ram Kratob Mai” – Thai wooden stick dance performance by Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) staff.

    A Thai Cultural Learning workshop on making Thai palm leaf ngop (woven hat) was also part of highlighted activities.

    On this occasion, the participants joined in pouring water over the Buddha statue and the replica of King Rama VII, and also poured water to seek blessings from the retired civil servants and distinguished persons of the university. In addition, various units within the university also expressed their goodwill to each other by bringing snacks, drinks, and sweets to set up stalls for the participants to enjoy together.

  • STOU IRD Open House

    STOU IRD Open House

    On 10 April 2024, The Institute for Research and Development (IRD), Sukhothai Thammathirat organized an Open House event at Meeting Room 5209, Seminar I Building of STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narathip Sriram, Acting Vice-President for Education, Learning Support, and Research presided over the opening ceremony.

    The event was to promote and create an atmosphere for research at the university. It also aimed to share knowledge and encourage research development, publication, and support at both national and international levels among faculty members. The STOU IRD took this opportunity to celebrate the important occasion of the 32nd anniversary of its establishment.

    The event featured a Special Talk on “Mission & Next Steps with IRD” and three Academic Forums including “Research Design Concepts” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanchana Wattanasuntorn, “Key Components of a Research Proposal” by Assoc. Dr. Taweewat Wattanakuljaroen, and “Weaknesses in Research Proposal Writing” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarisak Suntornchai.

    The STOU Research STAR 2024 Awards were also presented at the event. The awards comprised 21 prizes in 7 categories.

    CategoryIndividual PrizeOrganizational Prize
    Most Published Researcher
    (National Level)    		Asst. Prof. Dr. Akaphol Kaladee
    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Araya Prasertchai    		School of Educational Studies
    Most Published Researcher
    (International Level)    		Dr. Chootrakul Siripaiboon
    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemmanat Mingsiritham    		School of Agriculture and Cooperatives
    Most Cited Researcher
    (International Level)    		Dr. Chootrakul Siripaiboon
    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemmanat Mingsiritham    		School of Agriculture and Cooperatives
    Most External Funded ResearcherAsst. Prof. Dr. Sathita Wimonkunarak
    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sineenuch Khrutmuang Sanserm    		School of Agriculture and Cooperatives
    Highest Number of Research from External FundingAsst. Prof. Dr. Noppon Akahat
    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wittayatorn Tokaew    		School of Communication Arts
    Highest Participation with IRDAsst. Prof. Dr. Apiradee Sriopas
    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thasothorn Tootongkam    		Office of Educational Technology
    Most Viewed ResearchAsst. Prof. Dr. Padcharee Phasuk with the work “Toll-Pricing Compensation for the Externality on Society of the Nakhon Pathom – Cha Am Intercity Motorway Project

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sineenuch Khrutmuang Sanserm with the work “Distance Instructional Model in Response to Student Needs in New Normal Era in Agricultural Extension and Development Program of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University”    		Office of Educational Technology

  • STOU supports Thai Volunteer Service

    STOU supports Thai Volunteer Service

    On 4 April 2024, Asst. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, and Ms. Chidchanok Bangsen, International Affairs Officer, represented Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) in delivering items received from donations to Thai Volunteer Service (TVS).

    The donations will support the Citizen Volunteer Program which branches out into various activities such as creating kid’s learning activities and distributing medicine and medical supplies to rural areas. Miss Jarucha Thongpinit, The Farm Concept Project Coordinator, represented TVS in receiving the donations.  

    Thai Volunteer Service started from a small classroom within the Social Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University in 1980. It was officially established as a Foundation in 1986. The office is located at Soi Ratchadaphisek 14 in Bangkok. The foundation has created spaces for the younger generation to drive social change towards justice, equality, and peace through various learning space creation projects and volunteer channels nationally and regionally.

    The continuing donation projects carried out at STOU are part of the green and sustainability awareness-raising scheme. Both STOU staff and students have actively participated in all kinds of donations. For those interested, don’t hesitate to get in touch with The STOU Department of International Affairs at 0 2504 7172 for more information.

  • STOU Signs Academic Cooperation with Chia Tai Co., Ltd.

    STOU Signs Academic Cooperation with Chia Tai Co., Ltd.

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Chia Tai Co., Ltd. signed an MOU on “Industrial Waste Transformation Towards Sustainable Development Goals,” on Thursday, 21 March 2024 at the Headquarters of Chia Tai Co., Ltd.

    STOU and Chia Tai Co.,Ltd. concluded an MOU.

    At Auditorium 1-2 of the Chia Tai Co., Ltd. headquarters, Mr. Manas Chiaravanond, Chairman of the Executive Board, welcomed and spoke about the academic cooperation on “Industrial Waste Transformation Towards Sustainable Development Goals”. Mr. Manas mentioned that Chia Tai Co., Ltd. itself has a large amount of agricultural industrial waste, so proper waste or residue management is needed to generate benefits. The knowledgeable faculty members of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University are able to turn the garbage into value-added products, resulting in the development of sustainable communities, and driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, STOU Acting President
    Mr. Manas Chiaravanond, CEO of Chia Tai Co.Ltd.

    Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, STOU Acting President, expressed gratitude and spoke about this academic cooperation project between STOU and Chia Tai Co., Ltd. Dr. Phanompatt stated that STOU has a strategy to respond to community, social and national development towards sustainability. The university can provide knowledge in various fields, whether it be sciences, history, social sciences or culture, with programs developed to align with current situations, we are happy to provide academic knowledge to utilize industrial waste for sustainable communities.

    STOU has participated in the UI GreenMetric after having committed to sustainable development. Waste management and environmental education are linked to enhancing the quality of life and happy workplaces, significant for driving the SDGs.

    Community Products from Agricultural Wastes
    Community Products from Agricultural Wastes

    Additionally, STOU has continuous annual research projects and academic services for society in line with the SDGs, to develop and transfer knowledge across disciplines for community, social and national benefit. For example, a research project on “Business Elevation of High-Quality Compost Fertilizer from Agricultural Wastes of Baansabuyjai Community Enterprise and Baansaraphi Community Enterprise in Samut Songkram Province” developed local resource waste into certified quality products, generating income for communities and promoting these as model BCG economy communities selected by the Office of Commercial Affairs Strategy, Ministry of Commerce. This research was extended into an academic outreach project with the Samut Songkhram Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office referred to as “Systematic Upstream Waste Management and Converting Waste into Economic Value in Samut Songkhram Province” in 2024, drawing interest and participation from community enterprise members, farmers and the general public in three districts of Samut Songkhram: Muang, Bang Khonthi and Amphawa. The research and academic outreach projects were accomplished through the efforts of Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichat Dittakit, who serves as the Director of the Rejamangalaphisek Educational Park Division. Additionally, Dr. Parichat is responsible for fostering collaboration between STOU and Chia Tai.

    STOU greatly is certain that the collaboration with Chia Tai Co., Ltd. will help push further institutional sustainable development projects forward and be able to give back even more to society.

  • Congratulations to STOU Faculty Members for Receiving Outstanding Civil Servant Awards

    Congratulations to STOU Faculty Members for Receiving Outstanding Civil Servant Awards

    On 2 April 2024, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS), organized a ceremony to honor civil servants and personnel of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation on the occasion of National Civil Servants’ Day, which falls on 1 April every year. The ceremony was held at the Bhumibodin Meeting Room, Department of Science Service, with Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, presiding over the ceremony and presenting certificates of honor and commemorative pins to outstanding civil servants for the year 2023, as well as certificates of honor to MHESI’s People of Merit for 2023.

    On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Kamolrat Intaratat, a Faculty Member in the School of Communication Arts at STOU, and Miss Phayao Thaimvech, an experienced General Administration Officer (Senior Professional Level) at STOU Nakhon Nayok Regional Center, who were both awarded as outstanding civil servants of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2023, joined to receive the awards at this OPS event.

  • STOU received Thai Library Association’s Certificate of Honor

    STOU received Thai Library Association’s Certificate of Honor

    The Thai Library Association, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, organized an award ceremony to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the library profession. This was to give recognition and present certificates of honor for the year 2023, during the annual general meeting of 2023. On this occasion, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) received the award as the Organization Contributing to the Library Profession and Library and Information Science Education in 2023. The ceremony took place on 28 March 2024 at the Prince Palace Hotel, Bangkok. 

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) has continuously placed great importance on the library profession and library and information science education, as follows:

    1) In Distance Education in Information Science, STOU supports the provision of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Degree programs under the supervision of the School of Liberal Arts in Information Science.

    2) In Library Management, STOU has regularly allocated budgets for the development of the Office of Documentation and Information, from its earlier status as the Documentation and Information Center until it became the present Office of Documentation and Information in 1986. This includes the Library and Learning Resources Center Building Project, which is a prototypical library building with modern engineering, energy conservation, advanced building technologies, and readiness to serve as a lifelong learning center with various areas such as learning spaces, library service areas, teaching and learning areas, and areas showcasing the university’s historical development and identity. Within this building are sections dedicated to university archives and identity information services, such as the Royal Parental Education Information, Distance Education Information, and Nonthaburi Studies, as well as a permanent exhibition titled “Sukhothai Thammathirat Nitat.”

    3) In Information Resources Development and Library Personnel Development, STOU has allocated budgets for the acquisition of information resources for services and personnel development in terms of knowledge, skills, and experience.

    4) In Partnerships and Networks, STOU has provided course materials to partners according to cooperation agreements, such as with the Department of Corrections and the Office of Non-Formal Education. 

    5) In Promoting the University’s Identity, STOU has allocated budgets and developed initiatives to become a model organization in the information that reflects its identity, reveres the monarchy, and establishes museums.

    6) In Local Academic Services for Nonthaburi, STOU has promoted itself as a learning resource center for local information in Nonthaburi province by accepting donated objects and pottery from private museums, thus preserving the national heritage through the university’s efforts.

  • Strengthening STOU Professional Standards Framework

    Strengthening STOU Professional Standards Framework

    On Friday, 8 March 2024 from 11.00-12.00 at STOU Headquarters, the university executives, faculty members, and staff attended a meeting with Mr. Ian Hall, Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), Head of Membership (International) regarding the application for accreditation status under the new 2023 version. They exchanged experiences, built mutual understanding, and inquired about guidelines for developing the teaching system and supporting distance learning based on the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) 2023 of STOU, which will take place in early fiscal year 2025.

  • Royal Thai Army Force visits STOU

    Royal Thai Army Force visits STOU

    On 11 March 2024, a delegation from the Office of Personnel Development and Administration, the Royal Thai Army Force (RTAF) led by Lt. Gen. Suchin Trongdee, Director of the RTAF the Office of Personnel Development and Administration, met with Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President, along with other university executives in Meeting Room 1514 at STOU’s Administration Building. The purpose of the visit was to discuss academic cooperation in promoting online learning and jointly developing courses to disseminate knowledge through the online learning system.

    On this occasion, the delegation visited STOU’s Educational Radio and Television Production Building (EBPC Building), guided by Asst. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Director of the Office of Educational Technology, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Smaksmorn Phakdeeteva, Curator of STOU MOOC.