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.
