BANGKOK — On 27 June 2026, the newly appointed Executive Committee of the Thai Library Association under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn held its first official meeting for the 2026–2027 term.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to select the Association’s President and executive officers to lead the 41st Executive Committee over the next two years. In a unanimous decision, the committee elected Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin as the new President of the Thai Library Association.

About Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin

Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin is currently a faculty member in the School of Liberal Arts at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). She is a prominent figure in the fields of Library and Information Science, specializing in knowledge management and digital information innovation. With a continuous and proven track record of academic excellence at both national and international levels, Dr. Namtip has long dedicated herself to strengthening and modernizing Thailand’s information professions and academic standards, ensuring they evolve in step with the rapidly changing digital era.

On 26 June 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) concluded its successful participation in the Thailand Research Expo 2026, which officially closed today. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), presided over the closing ceremony and presented awards to outstanding research contributors. On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sungworn Ngudgratoke, Director of the Research and Development Institute at STOU, represented the university president to receive a plaque of honor for STOU’s active participation.

The Thailand Research Expo 2026 was held from June 22–26, 2026, on the 22nd floor of the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok. Running under the theme “Research Synergy: Driving Power for a Creative and Sustainable Thai Economy and Society,” the opening ceremony on June 22 was presided over by Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).

The five-day expo featured cutting-edge research exhibitions and over 100 academic seminars covering economic, social, technological, health, and environmental dimensions. The event served as a major national platform connecting knowledge and innovation with real-world applications while strengthening sustainable development networks.

STOU’s Featured Innovations

This year, STOU prominently presented two outstanding research projects tailored to modern societal needs:

• Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention: A project titled “The Effects of a Program to Enhance the Screening and Health Communication Capabilities of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease,” led by Assoc. Prof. Maj. Dr. Napaphen Jantacumma and Asst. Prof. Dr. Songpon Phadungphattanakul.
  This research was presented in an oral presentation session on June 22.
• Educational Podcasts for Seniors: An innovative project titled “Acoustic Innovation for Happiness: Enhancing Distance Learning Opportunities for the Elderly (Podcast),” led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phisit Nadprasert and his team. This initiative reinforces STOU’s leadership in distance education by utilizing modern, accessible podcast formats. The media aims to eliminate learning barriers and foster lifelong learning opportunities for older adults. The project was on public display at Exhibition Booth DL18 throughout the event.

On 22 June 2026, Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology, and International Affairs at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), officially accepted a certificate recognizing the university’s digital repository as a national model for quality digital archive management, complying with the National Digital Repository Publication Standards (MTCh/Publication Standard 2001-2567).

This recognition was awarded to the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Intellectual Repository (STOUIR), developed by the Office of Documentation and Information. STOUIR successfully passed rigorous assessments to be certified as a “Model Digital Information Repository,” reflecting the dedication and high capability in developing digital archives to meet stringent national standards.

The award ceremony took place at the Thailand Research Expo 2026, held under the theme “Research Synergy: Driving Power for a Creative and Sustainable Thai Economy and Society” at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.

The STOU Intellectual Repository (https://ir.stou.ac.th) serves as the university’s centralized platform for compiling dissertations, theses, independent studies, and journal articles. Operated via the open-source software DSpace and utilizing the Dublin Core Metadata standard,
the repository was developed entirely by the technical team at the Office of Documentation and Information.

The initiative and detailed standard compliance documentation were spearheaded under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Krittika Jiwalak, the former Director of the Office of Documentation and Information. Supported by STOU, the repository participated as a model agency in the institutional assessment and certification system project initiated by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). Having successfully cleared all evaluations in 2024 (B.E. 2567), the official certification has been validified spanning four years, effective from 16 February 2026, to 15 February 2030.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) proudly congratulates its distinguished alumni for their outstanding achievements at the 13^th ASEAN Para Games (2025), held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Their dedication has brought immense pride to both the university and the nation.

Our alumni played a pivotal role in securing the Gold Medal for the Thai National Women’s 5×5 Wheelchair Basketball Team, leading the squad to a spectacular victory in the final round.

The Champions Behind the Success

• Ms. Wikanda Phuekkradang (Athlete)
  • Education: Bachelor of Arts (Thai Studies), School of Liberal Arts.
  • Achievement: A key playmaker whose exceptional performance and determination were instrumental in the team’s journey to the top of the podium.
• Ms. Anurak Sirinikon (Coach)
  • Education: Master of Arts (Information Science), School of Liberal Arts.
  • Achievement: A dedicated strategist and mentor whose rigorous training and vision empowered the athletes to reach the pinnacle of Southeast Asian sports.

This success is a testament to their remarkable ability to balance the rigors of distance learning at STOU with the demands of representing Thailand at an elite international level.

The 13^th ASEAN Para Games concluded on 26 January 2026, with Thailand finishing as the overall champion for the 7^th time. The Thai delegation delivered a historic performance, securing a total of 488 medals:

• 175 Gold Medals
• 155 Silver Medals
• 158 Bronze Medals

Thailand was followed in the rankings by Indonesia and Malaysia, respectively.

STOU continues to champion educational equity through its Educational Support Center for Students with Disabilities (DSS). The university provides comprehensive services to ensure all students can pursue their academic goals, including:

• Academic counseling and personalized education plans.
• Accessible media production for the visually impaired.
• Educational subsidies and financial grants.
• Technological training and assistive tool development.

Our services cater to a diverse student body, including those with visual, physical, learning, intellectual, behavioral, or emotional impairments, as well as students with autism and multiple disabilities.

“At STOU, we believe that physical barriers should never be a barrier to education. We remain committed to fostering an environment where every student can excel both in the classroom and on the global stage.”

On 5 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized Samsorn Plaque of Honor Offering Ceremony in celebrating 47^th year Anniversary of STOU at Aneknitat Building (Conference Hall). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, presided over the ceremony.

Mr. Nontaphon Nimsomboon, Distinguished Members of the University Council, presented the Samsorn Plaque of Honor.
The Plaque of Honor is the highest honor and recognition bestowed by STOU. It is awarded to organizations or individuals who have provided assistance, promotion, and support for STOU’s educational management.

4 organizations included:

– The Office of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon’s Projects

– Central Watsan Co., Ltd.

– Thai Union Group PCL.

– Nawarat Patanakarn PCL.

Individual 21 people included:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jitraporn Sudhivoraseth	Mr. Chuenjit Potisupsuk
Emeritus Professor Dr. Chutima Sacchanand	Mr. Thanapon Hunsakun
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tharinee Pongsupatt	Emeritus Professor Dr. Thirapat Serirangsan
Dr. Bordin Sapsomboon	Assoc. Prof. Dr. Preang Kitratporn
Assoc. Prof. Pakamas Pachonklaew	Emeritus Professor Dr. Pongsak Angkasit
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mukda Nuysri	Assoc. Prof. Ratawit Jewsawusde
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarisak Soontornchai	Emeritus Professor Dr. Siriwan Sripahol
Emeritus Professor Dr. Sujit Bunbongkarn	Emeritus Professor Dr. Sumalee Sungsri
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutithep Siripipattanakul	Mr. Adisak Tantiwong
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anuvat Jangchud	Mr. Auttapol Rerkpiboon
Prof. Dr. Arunya Tuicomepee

Furthermore, on the same day, STOU organized the Award Ceremony for Outstanding Students and Graduates 2024 at Chalermprakiat Building. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, presided over the ceremony and presented the plaque. The ceremony celebrated and recognized the outstanding achievements of individuals who have made significant national or international contributions. This year ceremony honored a total of 58 alumni, graduates, and students, including;

• 22 recipients for Career Success
• 11 recipients for Outstanding Achievements, and
• 26 recipients for Social and Institutional Contributions

On 26 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the Research Awards Ceremony 2025,
which was held by the Institute for Research and Development at Parichart Pavilion, In celebration of the 47^th anniversary of STOU on 5 September 2025.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, presided over the ceremony. The Research Awards Ceremony is an annual event held to promote and foster a research atmosphere within the university. It also aims to encourage faculty and staff to produce high-quality research.

This year’s awards recognize 14 research projects. The Excellent Research Awards 2025 were granted to 2 research projects, while The other 12 research projects were granted Good Research Awards 2025.

Excellent Research Awards 2025 

Category: Distance Education

1. Title: Innovative Learning System Based on Gamification to Enhance Digital Creativity of Higher Education Students in Distance Learning System

Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Phantipa Amornrit and team

Category: Institutional Research

2.Title: The Quality Comparison Study of 5 Choice and 4 Choice Tests

Researcher: Dr. Sarhistthep Sukkaew and team

Good Research Awards 2025

Category: Academic, Social and National Development and Distance Education

1. Title: The Development Program of Digital Literacy and Psychological Well-Being for Early Adolescent

Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Pisutthipa Metheekul

2. Title: The computational study in the flow past a rotating isolated cylinder at high Reynolds number

Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Sitthichai Ruchayosyothin

3. Title: Developing 3D models of fossils found in Thailand using photogrammetry

Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Suchart Saenpich and team

4. Title: Food Delivery Business on Digital Platforms and Public Interest and Consumer Protection in Thailand

Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Keovalin Torpanyacharn and team

5. Title: Enhancement of Legal Measures for Support the Utilization and Strengthening of the Research and Innovation Ecosystem of Educational Institutions

Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Walaiwan Mathurotpreechakun and team

6. Title: A Development of Ubiquitous Learning Model to Enhance Creativity and Innovation Skills by Using Wisdom Knowledge Base for Local Innovators

Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanathnuth Chatpakkarattana and team

7. Title: Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University’s English Proficiency Test

Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukolrat Ingchatcharoen

8. Title: Collaborative Governance for Promoting Decentralization in Conflict Solution and Interests Use of National Park Area for Community-Based Ecotourism Management: Case Study of Chiang Mai Province

Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Noppon Akahat

9. Title: Development of Competency Based Learning Model for Distance Education in Post Covid-19 Era: A Case Study of Sustainable Manufacturing System and Circular Economy

Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supawadee Theerathammakorn and team

10. Title: Development  Guideline International Agricultural Extension and Development Program through Distance Learning

Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chalermsak Toomhirun and team

11. Title: Development of Measurement Model of Undergraduate Students’ Readiness for Online Testing in Open System Distance Higher Education Institutions

Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr.Thanyasinee Laosum  

Category: Institutional Research

12. Title: Information System on Research Output and Innovation of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University

Researcher: Mr. Suradet Athikom

On 14 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Huachiew Chalermprakiet University (HCU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance academic collaboration in health-related fields. The signing ceremony took place at HCU Bangphli campus.

The agreement aims to promote and elevate education, research, and academic services in four key areas: Thai Traditional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences, and Health Sciences. The MOU was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uraiphan Jenwanichayanon, President of HCU, and Assistant Professor Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU.
The ceremony was also witnessed by executives and faculty members from both universities.

The partnership focuses on developing personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve public health. The collaboration outlines key areas of operation:

• Instruction and Practical Training: Both universities will jointly develop bachelor’s, graduate, and short-term programs, as well as provide practical training opportunities for students.
• Research and Academic Services: The universities will collaborate on research and academic service projects related to the four main disciplines.
• Personnel Development: Faculty members from both institutions will serve as guest speakers, experts, or special lecturers to facilitate knowledge exchange.

Under the agreement, HCU will provide practical training facilities, equipment, and expert consultation. STOU will support the initiative by providing lecturers and advisors, as well as contributing to the operational costs of certain activities.

This collaboration marks a significant step for both institutions in strengthening Thailand’s public health system by producing high-quality and skilled professionals.

On 5 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) was honored with the 2025 Thai MOOC Award Outstanding Institution for Online Course Development for its “Success to Influencer” course.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Smaksmorn Phakdeetewa, Faculty Member from the Office of Educational Technology, accepted the prestigious award at the 16^th TCU International e-Learning Conference 2025 in Bangkok.

The conference, organized by the Thai Cyber University project under the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, serves as a platform for academics, researchers, and administrators to share knowledge and innovations related to AI-Powered Online Learning Ecosystems. The event also aims to promote Thailand Massive Open Online Course (Thai MOOC) as a tool for lifelong learning. This award confirms STOU’s commitment to developing high-quality online courses that meet the needs of the digital age.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) is proud to announce that its Non-Formal Education program, School of Educational Studies, has received a prestigious award for its significant contributions to the Thailand Youth Institute (TYI).

The recognition was presented at the “TYI Stepping into the 15th Year: Growing Up with Us, Growing Together” event, held on June 16, 2025. STOU’s Non-Formal Education program was awarded a plaque of honor for its invaluable support in providing resources and knowledge to the institute. This award specifically acknowledged STOU as an educational institution
that has actively supported TYI’s operations.

Adding to this recognition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanoknart Boonwattanakul, Director of the Office of Continuing Education, was also honored with an award for her contributions as a supporter of resources and knowledge. Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Non-Formal Education program and to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanoknart Boonwattanakul for this well-deserved recognition, highlighting STOU’s unwavering commitment to beneficial societal engagement.