On 14 September 2024, at the Pak Nam Prasae Mangrove Forest Learning Center in Rayong Province, Asst. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri, Dean of School of Communication Arts of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supaporn Sridi, and Asst. Prof. Hareuthai Panyarvuttrakul, led a group of doctoral students in Communication Innovation for Political and Local Administration, to participate in a mangrove planting and crab release activity. Joining them were Mr. Chairat Uattarakul, Mayor of Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict, members of the Subdistrict Council, and local residents. A total of 27 individuals from the university participated in this collaborative effort to contribute to the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem.
The Pak Nam Prasae Mangrove Forest covers 6,000 rai and is the most fertile mangrove forest in the Eastern region of Thailand. Previously, this mangrove forest was devastated by shrimp farming encroachment and community expansion, turning it into a degraded forest. Eventually, government agencies collaborated with communities and private entities to restore the mangrove forest, replanting thousands of rai and developing it as a tourist destination to enable sustainable coexistence between the community and the forest.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, presided over the ceremony.
On the occasion of the 46th anniversary of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University on 5 September 2024, the university organized activities under the theme “Continuing the legacy of the Royal Intent for Distance Education” to commemorate His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of the Royal Birthday Celebration of 6 Cycles on July 28, 2024.
In recognition of His Majesty’s invaluable patronage, the event honored his significant contributions to education. His Majesty’s personal experience as a distance learner at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), where he earned honors in Law in 1988, highlights his commitment to accessible education. His continuous support for STOU, including presiding over graduation ceremonies, has brought immense joy and inspiration to graduates and faculty alike.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suchittra Luangamornlert, President of Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council, delivering a speechAsst. Prof. Dr. Amornpun Sereemaspun, M.D., Chula Medical Innovation Center (CMIC) of Chulalongkorn University, delivering a speech
The School of Nursing organized an academic conference on 6 September 2024, at the Aneknithat Building of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University to carry on the royal aspiration for distance education in advancing health and nursing. Before the conference began, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of STOU, presided over a ceremony to pay royal tribute to His Majesty the King. Distinguished speakers included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suchittra Luangamornlert, President of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Thailand, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amornpun Sereemaspun, M.D., Director of the Chula Medical Innovation Center (CMIC) at Chulalongkorn University.
The School of Agriculture and Cooperatives organized a project to commemorate His Majesty the King’s contributions to agriculture, following the royal initiatives, on 5 September 2024, at the first-floor lobby of Academic Building 3. The event featured a panel discussion with distinguished guests including Mr. Ennoo Suesuwan, a member of the National Economic and Social Development Board, Mr. Sunai Setboonsarng, former Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and member of the Honorable Commission of Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), Mr. Pongsak Doungyotha, Director of the Royal Project Development Office, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and Mr. Adul Wichianchai, a Young Smart Farmer and a model farmer in the Kok Nong Na Model project. Professor Emeritus Dr. Dusit Wetchakit served as the moderator.
In addition to the academic activities, a blood donation campaign was organized as a social service activity to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 60th birthday anniversary on 28 July 2024. The Human Resources Division, in collaboration with the National Blood Center, Thai Red Cross Society, organized a volunteer project titled STOU’s strong minds unite blood donation’s pure delight. On 11 September 2024, at the Sukhothai Room, Aneknithat Building, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of STOU, along with Vice-Presidents, Assistant to the Presidents, Deans, Directors, Faculty Members, and staff, participated in the event.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) hosted the Provincial University Library Network National Conference (PULINET) 2024, from 9-11 September, 2024.
The conference, themed “Transforming the Strategic Plan of Provincial University Library Network 2024-2028 into Action: Development Direction and Operational Drive,” took place at the Aneknitat Building on the STOU headquarters. Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, welcomed the attendees and delivered the opening speech.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOUAssoc. Prof. Krittika Jiwaluk, Director of Office of Documentation and InformationAssoc. Prof. Dr. Namtip Wipawin delivering the speech
The purpose of this meeting is to bring together working groups from 20 member institutions of the Provincial University Library Network (PULN) to collaborate with the Executive Committee. The goal is to review, consider, and plan the operational development of the network in alignment with the PULN Strategic Plan 2024-2028. By doing so, the network aims to achieve its vision of becoming a strong and sustainable library network that supports member universities’ missions with the highest quality.
The specific objectives of the network include:
Promoting shared use of information resources
Encouraging knowledge exchange between members
Promoting the use of digital technology to create opportunities for accessing and utilizing information resources
Developing network personnel to effectively acquire skills that keep pace with modern technology
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity on 12 September 2024, by welcoming its disability students, their support personnel, and parents. Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narathip Sriram, Acting Vice-President for Education, Learning Support, and Research, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Khajornsak Sitthi, Director of the Office of Educational Services, and other faculty members, welcomed the students to the second preparatory workshop for disability students at the Educational Broadcasting Production Center (EBPC). The workshop was designed to provide students with the necessary support and resources to succeed in their academic journey.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narathip Sriram, Acting Vice-President for Education, Learning Support, and Research
Mr. Jakkree Sawatdimongkon, Acting Head of the e-Learning Center, provided an overview of STOU’s online learning resources, including the STOU website and STOU Media. Mrs. Ampron Sirirangpan, Head of the Examination Site Unit, offered guidance on exam preparation, dress code requirements, and specific accommodations for disability students, both for on-campus and online exams. The event concluded with an open forum where students shared their insights and experiences related to their education.
Mr. Jakkree SawatdimongkonMrs. Ampron SirirangpanOpen forum for students
Sukhothai Thammmathirat Open University (STOU) has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability. On 6 September 2024, the university delivered over 100 kg of obsolete electronic equipment to SK tes Thailand Company. This donation marks the conclusion of a 3-4 month-long campaign to collect and properly dispose of unusable electronics. By partnering with a specialized recycling company, STOU ensures that these devices are handled responsibly, reducing their negative impact on the environment and maximizing the potential for resource recovery.
On the same day, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, STOU delivered ‘orphan waste’ to the Head Office Power Plants Dams of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) as part of an N15 Technology project.
“Orphan waste” refers to waste that unrecycleable or sold for value, but can be cut and incinerated, such as fabric scraps, old clothes, fabric softener bags, mousepads, plastic cups, sponges, toothbrushes, expired medicines, etc. N15 Technology is a leader in managing non-hazardous community and industrial waste. Orphan waste is processed using modern technology to produce quality RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), which is then supplied to cement plants and waste-to-energy power plants as a coal substitute for cement kiln combustion, instead of sending this waste to landfills in various provinces.
These activities aligned with the Green University Project, not only enhancing environmental sustainability but also making a positive contribution to society.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) made a difference in the lives of rural students by donating educational and sports equipment to Klongjang Wittaya School in Nakhon Ratchasima on 13 September 2024. STOU led the “STOU Voluntary for Overcoming Barriers to Education for Children in Rural Areas” initiative.
This initiative aims to empower young minds and inspire a love of learning among students and teachers in resource-limited rural areas like Klongjang Wittaya School, which continues to face water scarcity, particularly during the dry season. The activity was led by Asst. Prof. Witoon Wong-A-Mart, Director of the Department of Corporate Communications, and was supported by the STOU Nakhon Ratchasima Student Club.
Asst. Prof. Witoon Wong-A-Mart, Director of the Department of Corporate Communications greeting Mr. Sakhres Krueaniam, Director of Klongjang Wittaya School
In September 2024, The Institute of Library and information Science, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Hungary hosted a delegation of 3 Faculty Members from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) as part of the Erasmus+ ICM partnership. The visiting faculty included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Namtip Wipawin, Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Duangkaew Ngernpoolsap, the Faculty Member of Information Science of STOU. In this occasion, they shared their expertise in digital archives management, gamification, and media and information literacy through lectures and seminars.
In addition to academic exchanges, the STOU delegation also embarked on professional visits to renowned cultural institutions in Hungary, including the ELTE University Library, the digitizing workshop of the National Széchény Library, the Budapest Archive, and the Somogyi Library in Szeged.
The institute’s ongoing collaboration with STOU extends beyond the current visit. 2 PhD students from STOU, Miss Chotima Watana and Nakarin Choonngarm, M.D., are currently pursuing studies at the ELTE BTK Library and Information Sciences Institute. This marks the tenth year of partnership between the two institutions, which has included joint international sections at conferences and previous faculty and student exchanges.
STOU is deeply appreciated, by Prof. Agnes, and all professors and faculty members at the Institute of Library and Information Science, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Hungary, for their warm welcome.
The faculty members of ELTE who responsible in this program are Barátné Prof. Dr. Hajdu Ágnes and Prof. Dr. Kiszl Péter.
(From left) Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Miss Chotima Watana, Nakarin Choon-ngarm,M.D., Asst. Prof. Dr. Duangkaew Ngernooolsap, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Namtip WipawinStudents of STOUFaculty Members of STOU
Asst. Prof. Dr. Isares Sunsaneevithayakul, Director of Office of the University Press delivering a speechAssoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs doing demonstration
On 6 September 2024, Office of the University Press of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University organized the workshop of “Creative Art with Screen Printing Techniques.” Asst. Prof. Dr. Isares Sunsaneevithayakul, Director of Office of the University Press and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, presided over the workshop opening.
Mr. Piphat Thamseupsilp, Consultant of the Thai Screen Printing AssociationMr. Piyatass Sangkamalai, Head of Printing Section of STOU
This workshop was organized in celebration of the 46th years Anniversary of STOU on 5 September 2024. The workshop was privileged to have Mr. Piphat Thamseupsilp, Consultant of the Thai Screen Printing Association and Mr. Piyatass Sangkamalai, Head of Printing Section of STOU, as the guest lecturers for the workshop. The workshop drew over 30 participants, who got to learn all about screen printing. The participants got hands-on experience, equipping them with the skills to create their own design and put their new knowledge into practice. The participants in this workshop would also get their hand screen printed T-Shirt back home.
STOU TikTok Challenge is categorized in 3 categories; The High School Category, The Higher Education Institutions and Prachachuen Research Network Category, and The General Category. There were 14 TikTok video clips that went into the final round. The judges included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanoknart Boonwatthanakul, From Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sungworn Ngudgratoke, Director of the Institute for Research and Development, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thythavat Janevatchararuk from the Institute of International Studies, Ramkhamhaeng University, Dr. Chutiwat Suwatthipong, Faculty Member of Office of Educational Technology of STOU, and Miss Aimee Srirasan, a famous Tiktoker.
STOU TikTok Challenge Results
The High School Category
The Winner’s Award goes to a group from Anurajaprasit School, with the video clip titled “สร้างเส้นทางสู่ความสำเร็จด้วยการศึกษาทางไกล มสธ.” (The path of success with learning and distance education of STOU).
The First Runner-Up Award goes to a group from Nonthaburi Wittayalai School, with the video clip titled “มสธ.การศึกษา ไร้พรมแดน” (STOU: Education Without Boundaries).
The Second Runner-Up Award goes to a group from Suankularb Wittayalai Nonthaburi School, with the video clip titled “แพ็คเป๋ามาเรียน มสธ.” (Packing bag to study at STOU).
The Honorable Mention Award was presented to 2 groups of students from Vorrarat Suksa School and Suankularb Wittayalai Nonthaburi School.
The Higher Education Institutions and Prachachuen Research Network Category
The Winner’s Award goes to Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, with the video clip titled “มสธ.ทางเลือกที่ดีที่สุด” (The best choice STOU).
The First Runner-Up Award goes to Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, with the video clip titled “มสธ. ที่ไหน เวลาใด ใครก็เรียนได้” (Anywhere anytime everyone can learn at STOU).
The Second Runner-Up Award goes to Bangkok University, with the video clip titled “นี่แหละความฝัน” (This is the dream).
The General Category
The Winner Award goes to challenge angel team, with the video clip titled “มสธ.มหาวิทยาลัยที่สะดวกที่สุดสำหรับทุกคน” (STOU pleasant university for everyone).
The First Runner-Up Award goes to Mr. Suwichai Wetso, with the video clip titled “ทุกที่ ทุกเวลา ที่ มสธ.” (Everywhere everytime at STOU).
The Second Runner-Up Award goes to Ms. Piyamaporn Muangthong (น.ส.ปิยมาภรณ์ เหมืองทอง), with the video clip titled “พลิกชีวิตใหม่ด้วยศึกษาทางไกล มสธ.” (Change the life with STOU).
The Honorable Mention Award was presented to 3 group of students, which are Dr. Vinita Kaewkua and team, Mr. Krit Lohasuwan and Mr. Dinnapop Yang.
There were also Popular Vote Award on the online social media platform, which was awarded to the video clip titled “จะพลิก..จะ Click ก็ Tik ถูกใจ กับการศึกษาทางไกลของ มสธ” (Swipe or Click is easy with distance learning of STOU ) by Dr. Vinita Kaewkua and team.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, opening the ceremony.
On 31 August 2024, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the Certificate of Achievement Presentation Ceremony for over 6,000 awardees in academic year 2023. In this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, was the president of the ceremony, which was held at Seminar Building I (Seminar and Training Center).
Congratulations to all 6,064 students on your achievement!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs delivered speech.
The Certificate of Achievement Program is a program that opens up opportunities for those interested in approaching education. It is designed for those who want to develop knowledge and skills in academic and professional management across various fields. The project aims to enhance and improve quality of life, as well as increase the professional academic status of participants. This program is open to people of all ages and educational background. Students don’t need to attend classes and can create their own schedule at an affordable price. Students can accumulate credits that can be transferred towards earning a degree qualification at STOU.
In the past two years, STOU’s Certificate of Achievement Program has seen increased popularity and demand from learners, with more than 10,000 applicants per year.
