On 19 April 2026, Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida traveled to the Anek Nithat Building at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) in Pakkret, Nonthaburi on the occasion of the graduation ceremony of the 2023 academic year graduates (Class 42). They were received upon arrival by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana.
This year, the STOU University Council unanimously resolved to present honorary doctoral degrees to two members of the Royal Family for their outstanding contributions to the nation:
- HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn: Conferred with an Honorary Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension and Development. This honor recognizes her tireless dedication to education, human resource development, and the practical implementation of the “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy” in agriculture.
- HRH Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana: Conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Science. The degree honors her determination to improve the quality of life for Thai citizens through the establishment of Chulabhorn Hospital, the Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, and the “Disease-Free Animals, Safe Humans from Rabies” project.
For the 2023 academic year, a total of 8,832 students completed their studies across various levels:
- Undergraduate: 7,637 graduates from 11 disciplines.
- Master’s Degree: 871 graduates from 12 disciplines.
- Doctoral Degree: 24 graduates from 4 disciplines.
Distinctions of Excellence:
- 65 Graduates received Honors (17 First-Class, 48 Second-Class).
- 7 Graduates were awarded the prestigious “Golden Tri-Sorn Pin” for achieving First-Class Honors with top-tier academic scores.
- The graduating class also included 18 graduates with disabilities, 35 monks, and one nun, reflecting STOU’s commitment to inclusive education.
During the ceremony, His Majesty the King delivered a royal address, offering wisdom for the graduates’ future paths:
“In living one’s life and pursuing a career—regardless of the era—one must possess immense mental fortitude and stability to avoid succumbing to obstacles or hardships. One must maintain self-control always to do what is right. I ask all graduates to diligently cultivate mindfulness (self-awareness) and wisdom (reasoning) so they may grow into a powerful strength for your lives thereafter.”
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University remains a leader in distance learning, adhering to the philosophy of Lifelong Learning. By utilizing various media and research-driven curricula, STOU aims to resolve national crises and enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness. Over its 47-year history, STOU has produced a total of 543,031 undergraduate alumni and 19,237 postgraduate alumni, cementing its role as a vital institution for human resource development in Thailand.
































































