Category: Community Engagement

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), in collaboration with various network partners, recently organized the exhibition and learning event “Wisdom of Urban Agriculture and Healthy Food for Self-Reliance.” The initiative aims to apply the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy as a practical guide to navigate modern global changes, focusing on household self-reliance and long-term health.

The event is a result of integrated cooperation between STOU and key partners, including: Morkeaw Foundation (Buddhist Medicine Foundation of Thailand), The Agricultural Museum (Public Organization), Nonthaburi Food Policy Council, The Union of Thai Traditional Medicine Society, as well as STOU Internal Units: Rajamangalaphisek Education Park, the School of Health Science, the Research Center of Communication and Development Knowledge Management (CCDKM), and the Community Resource Center (CRC).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, presided over the opening ceremony. He noted that amidst global economic, social, and environmental shifts, the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy remains a vital compass for stable and sustainable living.

The President emphasized that “Urban Agriculture” and “Healthy Food” are concrete tools for building food security and reducing health risks at the grassroots level. STOU remains committed to the royal legacy of “Sustain, Preserve, and Continue” by developing systematic learning processes that link food, health, and self-reliance.

The exhibition featured a wide range of educational activities designed for all ages to apply in daily life:
Keynote Sessions: Special lectures by Dr. Jaiphet Klatham (Mor Keaw) and experts in food security.
Exhibitions: Showcases on the “23 Principles of Work” (Royal Teachings) and the nutritional wonders of indigenous vegetables.
Health Demonstrations: Traditional “Tok Sen” massage demonstrations and herbal detoxification techniques.
Workshops & Giveaways: Distributions of seedlings and plant cuttings, alongside a marketplace for health-conscious products and sufficiency-style agricultural goods.

This event underscores STOU’s role as a lifelong learning institution dedicated to empowering communities through practical wisdom and sustainable health practices.

12 February 2026 – Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the official opening ceremony of the “Phorn Panya Library” at Sawankhalok District Prison, Sukhothai Province. During the visit, Her Royal Highness also presented commemorative pins to representatives of organizations supporting the initiative, including Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU).

At 3:20 PM, Her Royal Highness arrived at Sawankhalok District Prison and was received by Mr. Somluck Yoknoiwong, Vice Governor of Sukhothai; Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice; Mrs. Pongsawat Neelayothin, Permanent Secretary for Justice; Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongsinin, Director-General of the Department of Corrections; and Mr. Decha Klakhaeng, Commander of Sawankhalok District Prison.

During the ceremony, the Director-General of the Department of Corrections presented the list of executives and benefactors to receive commemorative pins. Representing STOU, Asst Professor Dr. Karn Boonsiri, Vice-President for Academic Services, Networking, and Special Affairs, was appointed by the University President to receive the royal honor in recognition of the university’s steadfast support for the prison library.

Her Royal Highness officially inaugurated the “Phorn Panya Library” and inspected its operations, which include the “Opportunity Vehicle”—a mobile library designed to deliver knowledge directly to inmates. Her Royal Highness also signed the commemorative stone plaque, granted royal gift bags to representatives of male and female inmates, planted a Magnolia sirindhorniae tree to mark the occasion, and toured exhibitions on inmate rehabilitation and vocational training programs organized by partner networks.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University plays a pivotal role in the “Phorn Panya Library” project by providing comprehensive educational resources to inmates, breaking down barriers to learning within the correctional system. STOU’s contributions include:

• Learning Resources: Providing textbooks, workbooks, and instructional media across various disciplines.
• Audiovisual Support: Enabling inmates to access supplementary distance learning sessions despite spatial constraints.
• Examination Systems: Coordinating with the prison to establish special on-site examination centers, managed by STOU faculty and correctional officers to maintain academic standards.
• Reading Promotion: Collaborative activities with the School of Liberal Arts (Information and Library Science) to teach reading and summarization techniques.
• Bibliotherapy: Using literature as a tool to reduce stress and improve the mental well-being of inmates.

By integrating these services, STOU successfully transforms the prison environment into a “Distance Learning Center,” embodying the university’s core philosophy: “Lifelong Education for All.”

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) recently participated in the high-level executive forum “RAOT Vision Meeting: Rubber Forward – Connecting the Present to a Sustainable Future,” held from 23–25 January 2026, at Sand Dunes Chaolao Beach Resort, Chanthaburi.

The forum served as a critical platform for the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) to reassess the direction of the Thai rubber industry. Discussions focused on adapting to rapid global shifts, including stringent environmental regulations, the rise of the digital economy, and the overarching challenges of sustainability.

Representing STOU’s commitment to lifelong learning, the university delegation was led by:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Padcharee Phasuk, Vice-President for Academic Affairs.
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Pimprapa Phanphai, Assistant to the President.
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Pudinan Adithipyangkul, Deputy Dean of the School of Economics.

STOU is set to provide concrete support to RAOT through three core strategic pillars:

1. Educational Development & Modern Farming: Cultivating a new generation of “Smart Farmers” equipped with entrepreneurial mindsets, digital literacy, and a deep understanding of global market production chains.
2. Research & Innovation: Advancing Smart Agriculture and sustainability-focused research to provide data-driven insights for policy-making and practical implementation.
3. Lifelong Learning Systems: Utilizing STOU’s expertise in distance education to offer flexible curricula and Micro-credentials. This enables farmers and RAOT personnel to gain certified specialized skills through short-term, hands-on training rather than traditional four-year degree programs.

This workshop marks a significant milestone in “laying the knowledge foundation” to support RAOT’s new enterprise plan. By bridging academic expertise with industrial needs, STOU and RAOT aim to ensure that the Thai rubber industry remains resilient, modern, and globally competitive.

“We are moving beyond theory to action—ensuring that every rubber farmer has the tools to thrive in a digital and green economy.”

On 2 February 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of
the Department of International Affairs delivered donated items such as clothes and books to The Mirror Foundation to be distributed to vulnerable groups and utilized in various social welfare activities. Representatives from the foundation received the donations at
the Lak Si Donation Center, Bangkok.

From “Waste Separation” to “Creating Social Opportunities,” this activity is an integral part of the project “World University Rankings Awareness: Green University”. The primary objective is to cultivate a strong conscience regarding waste separation and efficient resource recovery, aimed at reducing waste within the university and surrounding communities. Concurrently, this initiative supports
the operations of The Mirror Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to social development, human rights, and extensive resource sharing. This collaboration serves as a key driver towards a low-carbon society and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On 23 January 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) delivered medicine, medical supplies, clothes, and shoes to Umphang Hospital. This donation aims to support the medical treatment of people in remote areas.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Somsak Tienjaroonkul, Faculty Member of the School  of Law, represented the university in handing over the donated items. Mrs. Nuttanat Wongcharoen, Deputy Director of Umphang Hospital, accepted the donation. The items will be used at Umphang Hospital and distributed to other hospitals with limited budgets.

On 18 December 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of
the Department of International Affairs, delivered donated items to Pranangklao Hospital. Representatives from the Forensic Medicine Unit accepted the donation for distribution to other departments.

The donated items included cloth and paper bags for patients to carry medicine home, as well as hair-styling tools, wigs, cosmetics, and skincare products to be used for the mortuary makeup. This activity is part of the “World University Rankings Awareness: Green University” project. The project aims to promote the concept of resource efficiency and sustainable waste management.

12 December 2025 – Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Mr. Supoj Srathongpoon, Head of Network and Local Community Coordination at the STOU Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Lampang, officially delivered 12 boxes of plastic bottle caps and cups to the Green Road Project in Lamphun. The donation was received by project representatives to be utilized under the Khaya Laek Bun (Trash for Merit) initiative.

This contribution is a key activity under the project to raise awareness for Entering World University Rankings: Green University,
an initiative driven by the STOU Department of International Affairs. The project focuses on:

• Promoting sustainable waste management through systematic sorting and correct recycling practices.
• Adding value to waste by transforming reclaimed materials into useful products.
• Cultivating social and environmental responsibility among staff, students, and the community.
• Transforming Waste into Public Infrastructure

During the visit, the STOU delegation toured Green Road’s operations to observe the recycling process. The facility transforms plastic waste—including “crinkly” plastic bags (multi-layer plastic)—into durable paving blocks, “Green Roads,” tables, and chairs.
These recycled products are subsequently donated to schools, temples, national parks, and public spaces nationwide, serving as
a model for efficient resource management and circular economy principles.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University extends its sincere gratitude to its personnel, students, alumni, and the general public for their active participation in the university’s environmental missions. These collective efforts are vital steps in STOU’s journey toward long-term sustainability and a greener society.

On 20 November 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Assistants to the President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanathnuth Chatpakkarattana, Asst. Prof. Dr. Puripat Charnkit, Asst. Prof. Jinnthisa Suraprasert, and STOU staff visited Koh Kret, Nonthaburi to donate drinking water. The donation, totaling 300 dozen bottles, was officially received by Mr. Somchai Tadchang, Chief Executive of Pakkret Subdistrict Administrative Organization.

This contribution aims to support the dedicated volunteers and officials working at the Pak Kret Flood Prevention and Mitigation Center, who are providing essential assistance to those affected by the flooding in the area.

On 15 November 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Graduate Network demonstrated its collective strength and spirit of volunteerism through a community engagement initiative. The STOU Graduate Club of Nakhon Ratchasima organized the project called “Protect the Forest, Save the Mountains, Love STOU” at Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima.

The project aimed to restore and conserve natural resources and the environment, raise awareness regarding the protection of forests and wildlife, and strengthen collaboration between the university and the local community.

The activity was honored by the presence of distinguished executives, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pranee Sungkatavat, Former President of STOU. A total of 150 participants joined the activity, comprising 100 members of the STOU Association and local conservation groups, including the “Hug Khao Yai” Club, with 50 teachers and students from the Pak Chong area.

Participants engaged in natural habitat restoration, specifically the construction of artificial salt licks for wildlife. These licks serve as vital mineral sources that help maintain the biological diversity and health of the Khao Yai ecosystem.

Furthermore, the group was honored to have Mr. Sarut Phiraksa, Assistant Chief of Khao Yai National Park (Resource Conservation Department), as a guest speaker. He provided expert knowledge on forest ecosystems, the significance of artificial salt licks, and best practices for the sustainable care of forests and wildlife.