Dr. Apisit Thaoyabut, Deputy Director of Office of Educational Services
On 19 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized a workshop on “Technology to Enhance Learning Potential and Advance towards Study Plan A2 for Students with Disabilities.” The event was opened by Dr. Apisit Thaoyabut, Deputy Director of the Office of Educational Services. Among 30 participants were self-reliant disabled students and their caregivers.
STOU implemented Study Plan 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.
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.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Seksan Amatmontree, Director of the Office of Educational TechnologyMr. Pitsanu Deddai, Director of Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn Pathumthani School
On 17 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) held the 2nd workshop on “Developing of Online Teaching and Learning Management” for teachers from Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn Pathumthani School. This event was a part of the academic partnership between the two institutions, which aims to improve teaching and learning management and educational media with up-to-date technology.
During the workshop, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seksan Amatmontree, Director of the Office of Educational Technology, led a team of experts to provide training on the Moodle course management system. Mr. Pitsanu Deddai, Director of Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn Pathumthani School, also participated in the event. After the training, certificates were awarded to the participating teachers at Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn Pathumthani School.
The various collaborative activities held by the two institutions, based on their signed agreement, are important starting points for advancing educational knowledge. This collaboration serves as a model for bridging the gap between secondary and higher education, preparing Thai youth for a secure and high-quality future.
On 25 July 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs, delivered “orphan waste” collected from staff, students, alumni, and the public to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) Headquarters.
This was a mobile orphan waste activity organized by Mr. Somboon Kittianong, a representative for waste management through grinding to create a coal substitute fuel. Representatives from EGAT’s Resource Management and Administration Department accepted the donation.
“Orphan waste” refers to garbage that cannot be recycled or sold for value. Examples include scraps of cloth, old clothes, detergent packets, refill pouches for various liquids, mouse pads, desiccant packets, sponges, toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic cream jars and tubes, combs, expired medicine, and other types of waste that can be cut up and used as fuel. This waste undergoes a modern technological process to produce high-quality Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF). This RDF can then be used as a substitute for coal in cement factories and waste-to-energy power plants, preventing the waste from being sent to landfills in various provinces.
This donation activity was held under the “Raising of the transition to World University Rankings: Green University” project, driven by the Department of International Affairs of STOU. The project aims to raise environmental awareness, promote waste separation, and encourage efficient resource utilization.
On 18 July 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) delivered surplus medicine, medical supplies, adult diapers, underpads, and children’s clothing and shoes to Umphang Hospital. This donation aims to assist and support the medical treatment of people in remote areas.
Miss Thasita Supatanarungsan, Deputy Dean of the School of Political Scienceand Coordinator for the examination at Umphang Wittayakom School, represented the university in handing over the donated items. Mrs. Nuttanat Wongcharoen, Deputy Director of Umphang Hospital, accepted the donation. The items will be used at Umphang Hospital and distributed to other hospitals with limited budgets.
This activity is part of the “STOU ready to deliver surplus medicine” project, which falls under the “Raising of the transition to World University Rankings: Green University” project. The Department of International Affairs of STOU drives this initiative in collaboration with the Volunteer Citizen Project of the Thai Volunteer Service Foundation (TVS). TVS was responsible for sorting and preparing the medicine and medical supplies appropriately before delivery.
Umphang Hospital is a crucial district hospital for the local community of over 94,000 people. Of this number, as many as 44,000 people are not covered by the public healthcare system. This donation, therefore, plays a significant role in both sharing medical resources and promoting efficient medicine use to reduce medicine waste.
The university would like to extend its gratitude and thanks to all staff, students, alumni, and the public who have shown their faith and contributed to and supported this important mission.
On 2 May 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) donated new and unused medicines, adult underpads (size L-XL), face shields, and student uniforms to Umphang Hospital. The donation aims to assist people in remote areas.
Mr. Piyatass Sangkhamalai, Head of Printing Section, Office of the University Press of STOU and the coordinator for the university’s exams at Umphang Wittayakom School, represented the university in handing over the donated items. Mrs. Nuttanat Wongcharoen, Deputy Director of Umphang Hospital, accepted the donation. All items will be used at Umphang Hospital and distributed to other hospitals with limited budgets.
This donation is part of the “STOU Ready to Share Unused Medicine” project, which falls under the “Raising Awareness for World University Rankings: Green University” initiative. The initiative is driven by the Department of International Affairs of STOU and supported by the Thai Volunteer Foundation (TVF) as part of its Citizen Volunteer Project, which helped sort and prepare the donated medicines.
Umphang Hospital is vital to its community, serving as the district’s primary hospital and caring for over 94,000 patients, 44,000 of whom lack health security benefits. The donation will help people and hospitals in Umphang District and surrounding areas. It also ensures that unused medicines are put to good use instead of being discarded or left to expire
STOU Donation to Home For Handicapped Animals Foundation
On 13 May 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Relations, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs, donated necessary items for the care of animals to Mr. Chatpong Deepa, Manager of the Foundation Bang Len Branch.
Home For Handicapped Animals Foundation Bang Len Branch is located on a 21-rai plot in Bang Len District, Nakhon Pathom Province. It currently cares for more than 800 recovering dogs and cats. The foundation is open to the public daily from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM for visits, donations, and feeding the handicapped animals snacks. A Dog & Cat Cafe also serves food and drinks on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with all proceeds going to help the sick and handicapped animals at the foundation.
This donation drive is part of the “Raising Awareness for World University Rankings: Green University” initiative, led by the Department of International Affairs of STOU. The drive collected unused items such as towels, bed sheets, newspapers, and umbrellas, as well as essential supplies for the animals. These included canned food, wet food, and pouch food for cats; dry food for dogs and cats; dish soap; mosquito coils; underpads; diapers; and food trays.
The project not only highlights the waste-sorting awareness of the executives, staff, students, alumni of STOU, and the general public but also promotes the reuse of unused items to their full potential. This helps reduce production costs, benefits the environment, and supports the care of handicapped animals, improving their quality of life.
On 9 August 2025, a delegation of executives from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) attended the OUM’s 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Malaysia at the invitation of Open University Malaysia (OUM).
The STOU representatives included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Acting Director of the Office of International Affairs; and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Head of the Internationalization Development Unit.
The event celebrated the 25th anniversary of Open University Malaysia. The attendance of the STOU delegation served to strengthen the close and long-standing relationship between the two universities.
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 16th 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), through its Ubon Ratchathani Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center (STOU Ubon Ratchathani) and alumni network, has been providing aid to those affected by the severe clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border. The conflict, which began on 24 July 2025, has forced over 190,000 people into nearly 800 shelters across four provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Surin, and Sisaket.
On July 31, STOU Ubon Ratchathani, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Tani, Director, delivered essential goods to the Border Patrol Police Sub-division 22 in Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani, and to a refugee center in Sisaket Province. The center has been collecting donations since the clashes began, and has also been coordinating directly with affected students, providing temporary accommodation, food, and other necessities for the one who had to flee with her children.
On the same day, the STOU Nakhon Ratchasima Alumni Club also contributed to the relief efforts. The club, led by president Patcharee Wiriyapong, donated instant noodles, canned fish, and cookies to the authorities in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, for distribution to affected individuals in Sisaket Province.
On August 4, STOU Ubon Ratchathani conducted a second aid mission, delivering more donated supplies to officials at the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment in Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani. They also provided aid to victims and staff at the Wat Sirimongkhon and Ban Na Charoen School shelters in Det Udom District, where Dr. Thanapan personally met and spoke with the evacuees.
STOU extends its gratitude to all donors for their generous support during this crisis.
On 8-12 July 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Jeeranuch Buddeejeen, Director of the Office of University Press, represented Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) at the 2025 International Conference on Open Innovative Education (ICOIE2025), hosted by Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU).
HKMU organizes the ICOIE conference annually with the following aims:
provide a platform for sharing quality research, effective practices, and well-formulated views relevant to open and innovative education;
facilitate networking and cross-institutional collaboration among researchers and educators in fields of educational innovation and/or openness; and
promote studies and advancements in open and innovative education.
The ICOIE2025 Conference featured discussion and knowledge sharing from leaders and experts in the following themes:
Insights from Systematic Reviews: Research and Practice in ODDE and AlEd;
From Access to Impact: Rethinking Digital Transformation in Open Education;
Transdisciplinarity: Knowing for the Future;
Equipping World Ready Graduates: The T-Shaped Student, Work-Integrated Learning, and SoTL as Keys to Success; and
A critical perspective on new trends in higher education and lifelong learning.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Jeeranuch Buddeejeen presented her work titled “Integrating Design Thinking and Project-Based Learning in Competency-Based Education: A Case Study of a Certificate Program in Product Design and Digital Marketing” at the ICOIE2025 Conference The conference details, including the conference publications, are available at the conference website: https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/icoie/.
