Category: Academic Outreach

On 30 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Department of Corrections co-organized
Wai Kru Ceremony and Student Orientation for the first semester of Academic Year 2025 at the Correctional Institution
for Drug Addicts, Bangkok. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, along with Mr. Somboon Sila, Deputy Director-General of Department of Corrections, delivered speeches to inmates with student status.

The main objective of this project is to promote education for inmates in prisons and correctional institutions nationwide through a distance learning system. The primary goals are to expand educational opportunities for inmates, correct and rehabilitate their behavior, develop their potential, build knowledge, and provide academic qualifications. These are crucial factors that will help the inmates return to society as quality individuals and enable them to pursue honest employment to support themselves and their families after release.

On 18 September 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, joined the stage to deliver a speech at the “Foodism Show – All About Diet & Healthy Eating” event, which took place at IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

STOU shows our intent in carbon reduction and driving Thai society towards sustainability. To achieve this, the university has launched a course titled “Carbon Footprint Assessment and Sustainable Industrial Management Innovation.” This initiative aligns with the university’s mission to generate knowledge, develop quality personnel, and demonstrate its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

In terms of carbon reduction: STOU has integrated academic knowledge with practical application through collaboration with the private sector and local communities. This partnership aims to develop skills in analyzing, calculating, and designing approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Students gain not only academic expertise but also create innovations that can be practically implemented in organizations and communities. These efforts help to reduce waste and establish a balance between the economy, society, and the environment.

Academic Outreach: STOU serves as a center of learning and sharing knowledge, working to enhance the potential of individuals in the industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as local communities. Furthermore, STOU promotes participation among the university, its partner networks, and the general public. These efforts are crucial for fostering environmental awareness and a shared responsibility for the nation’s future.

STOU has also shared its knowledge at a public forum on the topic of “Healthy Body, Happy Mind, STOU Style,” which consists of Asst. Prof. Dr. Warangkana Chankong, Dean of the School of Health Science, Asst. Prof. Dr. Goontalee Bangkadanara, faculty member of the School of Health Science, Asst. Prof. Dr Narat Rattanacharoen, faculty member of the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supawadee Theerathammakorn, faculty member of the School of Science and Technology and Dr. Weawboon Yamsaengsung, faculty member of the School of Science and Technology and head of
the project.

On 16 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the First Aid for Life Safety Workshop. On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Renukar Thongkhamrod, Dean of the School of Nursing, presided over the workshop. The Director of Watsaluknue School and STOU faculty members joined the workshop with other 40 participants, including Village Health Volunteers (VHV), and general public. The workshop took place at Watsaluknue School, Nonthaburi.

This academic outreach projects aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of Village Health Volunteers (VHV) and the general public regarding correct and safe basic first aid, by applying the academic knowledge and expertise of its faculty and staff across various disciplines to benefit the community and society.

The workshop covers both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises for responding to various emergencies. This includes first aid for fainting and choking, managing insect and animal stings/bites, assisting victims of electric shock, as well as controlling bleeding, dressing wounds, and safely moving injured persons. This comprehensive workshop will enable participants to effectively use their knowledge to care for their family and community members.

On 8 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), through its School of Nursing and School of Science and Technology, collaborated to organize an academic outreach titled “Developing Health Literacy for the Elderly in Nonthaburi Province: The Use of AI and Applications in Healthcare.” The project aims to enhance digital skills and promote self-care among the elderly in the area.

In this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narathip Sriram, Acting Vice-President for Education, Learning Support, and Research, presided over the event among over 100 participants.

This project was initiated in response to Thailand’s transition into a “completely aging society” in Nonthaburi since 2024. Furthermore, rapid technological changes have led to greater public access to online media. Surveys show that elderly, particularly those in the Generation X group (ages 58-76), have limited digital skills in accessing and using information for their own health and that of those around them. They are also at risk of cyber threats.

The project aims to improve the digital health literacy of the elderly, enabling them to access health information knowledgeably, protect themselves from scammers and cyber threats, and effectively use AI and applications as beneficial tools for learning, daily living, and healthcare for themselves, their families, their communities, and society.

On 19 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized a workshop on “Technology to Enhance Learning Potential and Advance towards Study Plan A2 for Students with Disabilities.” The event was opened by Dr. Apisit Thaoyabut, Deputy Director of the Office of Educational Services. Among 30 participants were self-reliant disabled students and their caregivers.

STOU implemented Study Plan A2 and A3 as additional options for undergraduate students in the past 2-3 years. It has been found that the number of students registering for courses under Study Plan A2 or A3 has significantly increased. This is because these two study plans have a scoring system with up to 40% of complementary classes and collaborative learning activity.

This workshop helped enhancing participants’ knowledge, skills, and ability to use various tools and equipment, such as smartphones, computers, laptops, and operating systems. These are essential tools for accessing online supplementary lessons via Microsoft Teams, online learning materials, and submitting assignments through the e-Learning system, a crucial component of the university’s Study Plan A2.

STOU has the highest number of disability students among the universities in Thailand through the STOU Distance Learning System, which is not confined to traditional classrooms. STOU registers almost 500 disability students in each academic year, but only 20 – 30 are able to graduate. STOU operates Disabilities Support Services (DSS Center) to support disability people and also those interested in studying with STOU.

On 17 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) held the 2^nd workshop on “Developing of Online Teaching and Learning Management” for teachers from Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn Pathumthani School. This event
was a part of the academic partnership between the two institutions, which aims to improve teaching and learning management and educational media with up-to-date technology.

During the workshop, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seksan Amatmontree, Director of the Office of Educational Technology, led a team of experts to provide training on the Moodle course management system. Mr. Pitsanu Deddai, Director of Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn Pathumthani School, also participated in the event. After the training, certificates were awarded to the participating teachers at Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn Pathumthani School.

The various collaborative activities held by the two institutions, based on their signed agreement, are important starting points for advancing educational knowledge. This collaboration serves as a model for bridging the gap between secondary and higher education, preparing Thai youth for a secure and high-quality future.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) Press recently organized an academic service project titled “Designing Waste for Environmental Value.” This initiative aims to promote the concepts of Upcycling and Eco Design, while also encouraging efficient resource utilization and minimizing environmental impact.

The project officially opened with a ceremony presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Jeeranuch Buddeejin, Director of the Office of University Press. The event took place in Meeting Room 5209, Seminar Building 1, at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. The program targeted 60 students from four educational institutions: King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Minburi Technical College, and Kong Thabbok Upatham Changkol Kho So Tho Bo School.

The project’s activities began with a special lecture by Mr. Roongroj Boontarak, Managing Director of A. Best Inter Products Co., Ltd., on the topic of “Waste Management from Home to Work and Community.” This was followed by a visit to the STOU Press’s waste management exhibition, “STOU Showcase 3R.” In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and skills with experts from Thai Packaging Industry Public Company Limited (TIPAK). The highlight of the event was a product design workshop using waste materials, divided into six groups, with group facilitators providing close guidance.

This project is more than just a training activity; it’s a vital part of addressing urban waste management within the community. It serves as a crucial link between education, the environment, and the community, reflecting the university’s role in fostering a learning society and promoting sustainable development through practical academic outreach. An additional session of this project is scheduled for entrepreneurs, government officials, and private sector representatives on 19 August 2025, also at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. For more details, please visit: https://stoupress.stou.ac.th/eco-design-from-waste-to-worth/

On 4 July 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs, and Mr. Chananyu Puekprom, Acting Director of the STOU Kanchanaburi Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center, collectively donated unused items to Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital in Kanchanaburi.

The donated items included cosmetics, hair styling equipment, wigs, fabric bags, paper bags, children’s face masks, and crutches. Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital, the main hospital in Kanchanaburi Province, received the donation through Dr. Sutara Hengcharoen, a forensic physician, who accepted the items on behalf of the hospital for distribution to various departments.

This donation drive is part of the “Building Awareness for UI GreenMetric World University Rankings ” project, spearheaded by STOU’s Department of International Affairs. The initiative aims to promote the concept of efficient resource utilization and sustainable waste management by collecting reusable items. This effort not only reflects the environmental consciousness of STOU’s administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the general public who contributed to the donation, but also extends value for public benefit. Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University extends its gratitude and appreciation to everyone who supported this activity.

On 8 May 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichart Ditthakit, Director of Rajamangalapisek Education Park, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Buntarika Nuntha, Dr. Wanalai Viriyasuthee, and Dr. Sirawut Sittichok, Faculty Members of the School of Agriculture Science and Cooperatives, participated in the project to promote livelihoods in accordance with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and New Theory Agriculture for the fiscal year 2025.

This activity took the form of a training course on producing organic fertilizer from agricultural waste to reduce production costs. The training was held at Kuwatil Islam Mosque in Yothaka, Bang Nam Priao, Chachoengsao.

This project received cooperation from the Chachoengsao Provincial Administrative Organization, the Chachoengsao Provincial Farmers Council, and the Yothaka Subdistrict Administrative Organization. The initiative aims to empower local farmers to apply this knowledge to develop their professions, reduce costs, and create sustainability for their communities, aligning with the principles of the Sufficiency Economy.

On 28 April 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) participated in the project “Systematic Management of Agricultural Waste from Source to Product Transformation” in Samut Songkhram. Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichat Dittakit, Director of Department of Rajamangalaphisek Education Park, along with Dr. Wanalai Viriyasuthee, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thamrongjet Puttamuk, Faculty Members of the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, were the STOU team who joined the project.

The project, organized by the Office of Natural Resources and Environment of Samut Songkhram, aimed to promote systematic agricultural waste management approaches, not only separation and reduction of waste at the source, but also developing innovations for processing waste into practical products. The project represents an important approach to reducing environmental pollution while increasing income and strengthening local communities.

Moreover, Faculty Members of STOU also presented the application of agricultural knowledge and natural resource management linked to local development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in creating
an environmentally friendly society and promoting a circular economy in the agricultural sector.