Category: Happenings

On 29 August 2024, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized a workshop on “Technology to Enhance Learning Potential and Develop Learning towards an Study Plan A2 for Students with Disabilities.” The event was opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Khajornsak Sitthi, Director of Office of Educational Services, at the STOU’s Computer Room 2, with 40 participants, including self-reliant disabled students and their caregivers.

STOU implemented 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.

The Counseling Section has been promoting the enhancement of knowledge and skills of using online information technology among students with disabilities and their caregivers to increase their chances of graduation, similar to other students who have chosen Study Plan A2 and A3.

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 27 August 2024, the School of Human Ecology of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the academic seminar on “Food, Faith, and Family Development” at
the Conference Hall (Aneknitat Building) in celebration of the 46^th year Anniversary of STOU
on 5 September 2024. The purposes of this seminar were:

1. to provide the knowledge and skills needed to develop their family food businesses;
2. to integrate science and technology knowledge in food, nutrition, human development, and family studies into the development of family food businesses;
3. to contribute to the sustainable development of the local economy while preserving
   the community’s identity;
4. to contribute to the continuation of the royal initiative in distance education.

Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, started the morning session with his Opening Remarks and Keynote Speech. This was followed by a special speech
on “Soft Power and Its Role in Driving Thailand’s Food Industry” from the 2-Star Michelin Chef and Sustainable Food Ambassador to FeedUp@UN, Chef Chumpol Jangprai.

A panel discussion on “Food, Faith, and Family Development” featured experts from various fields, covering topics on the roles of families, local communities, and the industry in promoting food businesses and family and community development. Panelists included Mr. Piya Dankum, Chief Executive Officer at Green Food Factory Company, Ms. Jaruwan Ngampisutpaisan, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Central Restaurants Group, and Ms. Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, Founder and Secretary-General of the Duang Prateep Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Apirak Hanpichitwanich, Thai PBS news anchor.

In the afternoon session, Ms. Wattanee Jantaramitree, Food Stylist as special speaker ran
the “Plate Decoration for Value Addition” Workshop session and “Plate Decoration Competition” of students from 7 educational institutions. The participated institutions included:

• Potinimitwittayakom School – won 1^st prize
• Rajavinit Nonthaburi School – won 2^nd prize
• Nawamintharachinuthid Horwang Nonthaburi School – won 3^rd prize
• Sainoi Secondary School
• Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni) Nonthaburi School
• Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn Nonthaburi School
• Thammasat University

The students who won the prizes received plaques and souvenirs from H.E. Ham Jeong-han, Chargé d’Affaires of the Korean Embassy in Thailand.

The closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Jirawat Arunyakanon, Advisor to Minister of Tourism and Sports, who gave the Closing Remarks.

The STOU School of Human Ecology will continue its mission of providing distance education
to enhance human quality of life. This is achieved through a curriculum that emphasizes
the application of knowledge in food, nutrition, and family development, enabling students
to apply their knowledge effectively in their daily lives.

On 14 August 2024, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the project “Promoting Motorcycle Safety and Accident
Prevention” for the fiscal year 2024 with the Provincial Land Transport Office of Phetchaburi.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Khajornsak Sitthi, Director of Office of Educational Services of STOU,
and Mrs. Thanyalak Srimaka, Land Transport Officer of Phetchaburi, signed the MOU
at the Academic Conference Room on the 2^nd floor of the Phetchaburi Provincial Transport Office. Ms. Samanan Nge – noed from the Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Phetchaburi, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Witoon Wong-A-Mart, Director of the Department
of Corporate Communications, joined the signing ceremony as witness.

The objectives of this collaborative project are:

1. To raise awareness among motorcyclists in Phetchaburi including students, community members, and motorcycle taxi riders, about the importance of preventing and reducing road accidents in order to improve the quality of life for the motorcyclists and foster
   a sense of social responsibility in the community by promoting traffic safety and accident prevention;
2. To enhance knowledge, awareness, and understanding of traffic laws, motorcycle riding etiquette, and self-protection methods while riding. This includes teaching how to handle situations during and after accidents;
3. To reduce road accidents according to the government policies;
4. To groom a safety-conscious mindset regarding road use among students, community members, and motorcycle taxi riders, encouraging their participation in preventing and reducing road accidents;
5. To develop social responsibility among youth; and
6. To promote the development of road safety awareness among youth.

Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) organized “The walking, running, cycling” event to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 6-cycle birthday on 28 July 2024. Universities and higher education institutions under the Ministry in Bangkok and nearby provinces, as well as across the country, simultaneously joined this event on 4 August 2024.

The official opening ceremony was held at Kasetsart University, Bang Khen, presided over by Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, accompanied by Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary of MHESI. Executives from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of MHESI and various universities also attended the event. The activities included cycling, running, and walking. Among 1,200 participants were STOU’s faculty and staff
who joined the 10 km run and 3 km walk.

At the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television (TV5) on 30 July 2024, a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony
took place between the TV5HD and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) to combine efforts for public benefits.

Lt. Gen. Chamnan Changsat, Director-General of the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station (TV5), and
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU).
This MOU aims to foster cooperation in resource utilization, exchange of training and study visits, academic collaboration,
and other activities that will lead to public benefits.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU said “The university is a distance education university with missions in teaching, research, social services, and learning, conserving, and disseminating Thai arts and culture. We integrate knowledge for the sustainable benefit of society and the nation. We transfer experiences to learners through a multimedia teaching system that provides educational opportunities for people to develop their potential and apply the knowledge gained for self-improvement. This aligns with the mission of the TV5, which focuses on being a medium for creating and disseminating news on security and beneficial knowledge to the public, as well as promoting national security in all dimensions.”

This signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of STOU and TV5’s collaboration to advance and develop the dissemination of teaching and contemporary knowledge for maximum benefit to the public.

With a faculty of knowledgeable researchers and experienced professionals, our School of Communication Arts is excited to collaborate with the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station to drive innovation and growth.

In honor of His Majesty the King’s 6-cycle birthday celebration, marking His Majesty’s 72^nd birthday on 28 July 2024, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) joined An Oath of Allegiance Ceremony for Being Good Civil Servants at Sanam Luang.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanasak Saijampa,
Acting Vice-President for Strategy, Planning, Digital Technology, and Human Resources, and Mr. Apiwan Jarernlap, Director of the Central Division led the delegation to join the ceremony.

Mr. Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister, presided over and led the officials taking the oath of allegiance to become lawful civil servants. The event was attended by the cabinet, political officials, Thailand higher level of government officers from all sectors.

On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda also presented a flower vase before the portrait of His Majesty the King and sign a blessing book of His Majesty’s 72^nd birthday at Sahathai Samakhom in the Grand Palace.

On 12 July 2024, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), along with administrators and staff of the Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Ubon Ratchathani, attended the 16^th National Conference on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD 2024) at Udon Thani Rajabhat University. H.E. General Dapong Ratanasuwan, Privy Councillor, presided over the opening ceremony.

The NCPD conference has been held continuously for 16 years. This year conference was co-organized by Udon Thani Rajabhat University and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, on the topic of “Innovation Driving for Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities towards the Sustainable
Thai Society on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 72^nd Birthday.”

The seminar has an important goal to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge, research, academic work, and assistive technologies for people with disabilities, in collaboration with academic network partners. This leads to further development and expansion, as well as supporting the creation and development of human resources, personnel, researchers,
and academics in the field of improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. It also aims to support caregivers of people with disabilities to be ready for employment and social participation.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), represented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President, signed a memorandum of academic cooperation for improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. This agreement was made between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and 64 government and private agencies.
The agreement aims to create networks and promote cooperation in working to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. There is a shared intention to develop academic knowledge, research and development, innovation,
assistive technologies, digital technologies, and appropriate technologies according to universal design principles.

On 13 July 2024, The School of Management Science and the Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Yala of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), in collaboration with the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) and the Office of Commercial Affairs in the southern border provinces, organized an academic seminar titled “Thai Products towards Sustainable Economic Development of Southern Border Provinces”. This event was part of a project to enhance the potential of new generation farmers and community enterprise entrepreneurs in producing community products. Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, cordially presided over the opening ceremony.

The seminar aimed to drive the goal of elevating business entrepreneurs’ potential by creating added value for products through branding and protecting innovations with intellectual property rights, such as registering trademarks for community enterprise products or entrepreneurs in the southern border provinces. This aligns with the government’s policy of driving Thai economy with Thai Soft Power, focusing on promoting the creative economy through various key strategies: promoting cultural and artistic diversity, and creating a creative economy through activities that add value to the national economy and enhance Thailand’s image on the global stage.

The seminar was honored by the presence of Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharag, Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC); Mrs. Patimoh Sadiyamu, Governor of Pattani Province; Asst. Prof. Dr. Pavin Chinachoti, Dean of the STOU School of Management Science; Mr. Pitak Korkiatpitak, Mayor of Pattani’s Muang District.
The event was held at the CS Pattani Hotel’s ballroom in Pattani Province.

The seminar attracted over 220 participants, including academic seminar attendees, booth exhibitors, and those joining
the exhibition. Participants included entrepreneurs, community enterprises, and farmers from all five southern border provinces, as well as other interested.