Category: Cultural Promotion and Preservation

22 October 2022 – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manit Jumpa, Distinguished Member of the University Council, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), chaired the Offering Ceremony of the Royal Kathina Robes at Wat Chanathip Chaloem, the royal temple in Satun. The Ceremony was witnessed by STOU administrators, faculty members, and staff, as well as personnel from provincial organizations and the general public.

The Royal Kathina Robes was bestowed by His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand. This is the 42^nd time STOU organized this religious ceremony. Phra Thep Sitti Muni, the Ecclesiastical Regional Governor of Region 18, chaired the reception ceremony where Phra Kru Wimol Thammaros, the Abbot of Wat Chanathip Chaloem, was chosen to receive the Kathina Robe. There were 17 monks who had completed the rains retreat this year. In addition to the Kathina offerings, a total of 1,550,411.50-baht donation was given to the royal temple.

Wat Chanathip Chaloem, formerly known as Wat Mam Bang, was built in 1882. It is believed to be the first Buddhism temple in Satun. The temple was renamed Wat Chanathip Chaloem in 1939. The temple’s chapel was built in 1940. Wat Chanathip Chaloem was promoted to a third-rank royal temple in 1991.

On 12 May 2022, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) held an event to celebrate the Visakha Bucha Day at the university’s main campus in Nonthaburi.

Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-san, Chairman of the University Council, presided over the ceremony, including alms-giving, Buddhist sermon listening and candlelight procession. To mark the auspicious time of the year, STOU members also made a donation for the construction of Ubosot at Wat Ko Kriang in Pathum Thani.

Visakha Bucha Day is considered the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the three major events in the life of Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his death. This year Makha Bucha Day falls on 15 May 2022, and is a national holiday in Thailand. STOU held the event in advance to allow the STOU members to celebrate together.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) celebrates the annual traditional festival of Songkran on 5 April 2022 under the theme of “Joyful water sprinkling, celebrating Songkran the Thai way” at the STOU main campus in Nonthaburi. Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, Chairman of the University Council presided over the opening ceremony.

The event was held not only to preserve the beautiful arts and culture that have been passed down for a long time, but to also promote the virtues of filial piety, respect for the elderly, and harmony. As part of the COVID-19 preventive measures, the participants gave flower garlands to the seniors instead of the traditional water sprinkling. The seniors who joined the event to receive the garlands and give blessings to the participants included (1) Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, Chairman of the University Council (2) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manit Jumpa, STOU Acting President (3) Assoc. Prof. Napalai Suwannathada, Senior Expert, and (4) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Theppasak Boonyarataphan, Acting Vice-President for Education, Strategy, Planning, and Digital Technology.

Another main activity held was Song Nam Phra, where participants poured traditional perfume, Nam Ob, scented water onto Buddha images and the late King Rama VII image. There were also cultural shows from Phranakhon Rajabhat University and Baan Natyasilp Nont, batik painting activity by Ladda Batik at Koh Kret and a cooking demonstration of Southern Thai dishes. Moreover, many departments prepared various kinds of food and drinks to share with the participants.

The festival of Songkran is celebrated throughout Thailand during 13-15 April every year. The 13^th of April is recognized as Maha Songkran, and declared the Day of the Senior. The 14^th of April is designated Family Day. Thais have the chance to return to their hometown for family reunion during these extended public holidays.

STOU will continue to celebrate Song Kran to pass down this precious traditional festival of the country.

On 15 February 2022, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University organized alms-giving, Buddhist sermon listening and a candlelight procession to celebrate Makha Bucha Day, at Ho Phra Phut Ming Mongkhon Dhammasathan, STOU main campus in Nonthaburi.

Makha Bucha Day is considered a significant Buddhist occasion in Thailand. Makha Bucha refers to the full moon of the third lunar month. This year Makha Bucha falls on 16 February 2022. It is a public holiday nationwide. So, the university held the special event one day before.