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  • STOU campaigns sustainable waste management with “SUJIT: STOU Volunteer” Project

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) is reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility by hosting the 2nd “SUJIT: STOU Volunteer” project. This year’s initiative, held on 24 July 2025, at the Rajamangalaphisek Education Park within the STOU headquarters in Nonthaburi, focuses on waste management to foster a sustainable green society. The event saw a large turnout, including university executives, faculty, staff, network partners, government agencies, private sector organizations, and community members.

    Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President, presided over the opening ceremony and actively participated in the day’s events. He emphasized the crucial role of collaborative networks and instilling environmental awareness across all sectors to achieve the goal of a “liveable world through efficient waste management.”

    The “SUJIT: STOU Volunteer ” project, which began in 2024 and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, continues this year with a strong emphasis on waste management.
    This aligns with a significant global agenda and STOU’s dedication to sustainable social and environmental development. The project also aims to enhance the quality of life for the public and cultivate public consciousness. Furthermore, these activities directly support
    the university’s objectives to reduce its environmental impact and improve energy efficiency, key factors in its ranking within the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.

    The event featured a diverse range of creative activities, made possible through
    the collaboration of 20 internal university departments and external network partners.
    These partners included Phasukmaneejak School, Jutiporn Kindergarten School,
    Department of Lands, Bangkok Land Public Company Limited, Thailand Youth Institute (TYI), and Bang Phut sub-district community in Nonthaburi.

    Highlights of the event included:

    • Musical Performances from “Threet” and Cultural Shows: Adding vibrancy and entertainment for attendees.
    • “Waste Bank” Competition: Encouraging tangible waste segregation and recycling efforts.
    • “Eco-Art DIY” from Plastic Bottles: Demonstrating how to upcycle plastic bottles into useful items and decorations, such as hair clips, headbands, fancy inhaler cases, and pencil sharpeners.
    • Cost-of-Living Reduction Activities for the Public and “Mind-Body-Health Awareness” Activities: Promoting the well-being of the community.
    • Worm Composting for Household Organic Waste Management: Providing knowledge on sustainable waste management through natural methods.
    • Tree Distribution: Increasing green spaces in the community and fostering a healthy environment.

    Through the 2nd SUJIT project, focusing on waste management, STOU underscores its vital role as a higher education institution. It not only prioritizes academic excellence but also demonstrates a steadfast commitment to creating tangible benefits for the community, society, and the environment, working collectively to build a liveable and sustainable world for everyone.

  • STOU and depa Join Forces to Create “Smart City” Personnel, Strengthening Localities Nationwide

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) have signed a significant academic cooperation agreement. This partnership aims to develop knowledge in “Smart City” concepts and enhance the capabilities of local administrative organization personnel across Thailand, driving the country towards
    a sustainable digital era.

    The signing ceremony officially took place on 9 July 2025, at the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Building A) on Ladprao Soi 10 Road, Bangkok. The agreement was signed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency. Asst. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri, Dean of the School of Communication Arts at STOU, and Dr. Phasakorn Pratombut, Deputy President/CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, served as witnesses, alongside executives from both organizations.

    The primary objectives of this collaboration are:

    • Elevating Smart City Knowledge: depa will play a crucial role in enhancing the understanding of Smart City plan development and the creation of City Data Platforms for local administrative organization personnel. This initiative aims to transform local administrative organizations into High-Performance Authorities (HPA), enabling them to effectively utilize digital innovation and technology in urban management.
    • Integrating Knowledge into Society: STOU will support teaching and learning, research, and academic services for society, specifically focusing on developing certificate programs and short-term training courses related to Smart City. These programs will equip government personnel and interested citizens with essential skills and knowledge.

    The synergy between STOU, an educational institution specializing in distance learning, and depa, a key agency promoting the nation’s digital economy, will be a crucial driving force in materializing the government’s Smart City policy. This partnership aims to create livable and sustainable smart cities for everyone in Thailand.

  • STOU reserves and promotes buddhism, arts, and culture during Asanha Bucha and Buddhist Lent 2025

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized activities to preserve and promote Buddhism, arts, and culture in celebration of Asanha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent in 2025. These significant Buddhist holidays fall on 10 and 11 July, respectively. The university’s Arts and Culture Division (Educational Park) of the Office of Continuing Education held the events on 9 July 2025 at Parichart Pavilion and Ho Phra Phut Ming Mongkhon Dhammasathan within the university’s Rajamangalaphisek Education Park.

    The ceremonies were presided over by Assistant Professor Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of STOU. A large number of executives, faculty members, staff from various university departments, as well as students and the general public, participated in the events.

    Key activities included a dry food alms offering to nine Buddhist monks to bring auspiciousness, followed by sacred Buddhist ceremonies. The traditional offering of Lenten candles and rain-bathing robes was also observed, a significant custom during the Buddhist Lent period. A unique and creative aspect of the celebration was the “tree sapling circumambulation” (Wian Tian) around Ho Phra Phut Ming Mongkhon Dhammasathan, where participants offered tree saplings in homage to the Buddha, promoting environmental conservation alongside spiritual merit-making.

    In addition to the activities at the main campus, STOU’s Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Centers across the country also organized events. In Yala, Dr. Saowanit Taweesuntaneenukul, Director of STOU Yala, led staff, alumni, students, and STOU networks in offering Lenten candles at Wat Tha Sap in Mueang District of Yala. Similarly, in Phetchaburi, Ms. Samanan Ngernurd, Director of STOU Phetchaburi, led her team to offer Lenten candles at Wat Khao Bandai It in Mueang District of Phetchaburi.

    These events underscore STOU’s unwavering commitment to continuously promoting and preserving Buddhism, arts, and culture, and fostering community engagement. On this occasion, STOU has also installed “Phra Bhaisajyaguru Vaidurya,” an ancient Khmer art Buddha statue. This statue commemorates Bhaisajyaguru Vaidurya Prabha Tathagata, the Medicine Buddha of Mahayana Buddhism, who is revered for healing both physical and mental ailments and is considered a protector and healer of humanity from suffering.

    The veneration of Bhaisajyaguru has a long history in Thailand, particularly during the reign of King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire (which included parts of present-day Thailand). During this period, “Arokayasala” (hospitals) were established, and Bhaisajyaguru Buddha statues were created to be enshrined in these facilities. Bhaisajyaguru Buddha statues found in Thailand often exhibit the Lopburi art style (Khmer art in Thailand). This particular statue was generously donated to STOU by Phra Kru Wimolchayaporn, the abbot of Wat Bang Krang in Nonthaburi, on 25 June. Other recipients of similar statues include the Ministry of Public Health, Priest Hospital, Thammasat University Hospital, Siriraj Hospital, Ramkhamhaeng University, and Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. These statues serve as objects of veneration for Buddhists, as well as medical, public health, and nursing personnel, providing spiritual support and relief from the suffering caused by physical and mental illnesses.

  • STOU Press Organizes Academic Outreach Project: “Designing Waste for Environmental Value”

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) Press recently organized an academic service project titled “Designing Waste for Environmental Value.” This initiative aims to promote the concepts of Upcycling and Eco Design, while also encouraging efficient resource utilization and minimizing environmental impact.

    Asst. Prof. Dr. Jeeranuch Buddeejin, Director of the Office of University Press
    Mr. Roongroj Boontarak, Managing Director of A. Best Inter Products Co., Ltd.

    The project officially opened with a ceremony presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Jeeranuch Buddeejin, Director of the Office of University Press. The event took place in Meeting Room 5209, Seminar Building 1, at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. The program targeted 60 students from four educational institutions: King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Minburi Technical College, and Kong Thabbok Upatham Changkol Kho So Tho Bo School.

    The project’s activities began with a special lecture by Mr. Roongroj Boontarak, Managing Director of A. Best Inter Products Co., Ltd., on the topic of “Waste Management from Home to Work and Community.” This was followed by a visit to the STOU Press’s waste management exhibition, “STOU Showcase 3R.” In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and skills with experts from Thai Packaging Industry Public Company Limited (TIPAK). The highlight of the event was a product design workshop using waste materials, divided into six groups, with group facilitators providing close guidance.

    This project is more than just a training activity; it’s a vital part of addressing urban waste management within the community. It serves as a crucial link between education, the environment, and the community, reflecting the university’s role in fostering a learning society and promoting sustainable development through practical academic outreach. An additional session of this project is scheduled for entrepreneurs, government officials, and private sector representatives on 19 August 2025, also at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. For more details, please visit: https://stoupress.stou.ac.th/eco-design-from-waste-to-worth/

  • STOU donates unused items to Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital

    On 4 July 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 Affairs, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs, and Mr. Chananyu Puekprom, Acting Director of the STOU Kanchanaburi Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center, collectively donated unused items to Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital in Kanchanaburi.

    The donated items included cosmetics, hair styling equipment, wigs, fabric bags, paper bags, children’s face masks, and crutches. Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital, the main hospital in Kanchanaburi Province, received the donation through Dr. Sutara Hengcharoen, a forensic physician, who accepted the items on behalf of the hospital for distribution to various departments.

    This donation drive is part of the “Building Awareness for UI GreenMetric World University Rankings ” project, spearheaded by STOU’s Department of International Affairs. The initiative aims to promote the concept of efficient resource utilization and sustainable waste management by collecting reusable items. This effort not only reflects the environmental consciousness of STOU’s administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the general public who contributed to the donation, but also extends value for public benefit. Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University extends its gratitude and appreciation to everyone who supported this activity.

  • STOU Political Science Students Gain Professional Experience Through Local Election Analysis

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Thailand and its networks, recently organized an intensive training program designed to enhance the professional experience of its Political Science students. The program featured a seminar titled “The Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) Election on February 1: Strengths, Problems, and Recommendations.”

    Held on 3 July 2025, the seminar aimed to assess the success of the recent PAO election, a crucial step towards developing local governance for the direct benefit of the people and advancing the decentralization process, a key component of Thailand’s democratic system.

    Asst. Prof. Dr. Somprin Niyomthai, Dean of the School of Political Science at STOU, presided over the opening ceremony. Ms. Napajaree Jiwanantaprawat, Senior Project Manager at KAS Thailand, delivered the opening remarks, outlining the event’s objectives.

    Key activities included:

    • A summary of a book analyzing the nationwide PAO chief and councilor elections on 1 February 2025, highlighting strengths, problems, and lessons learned for improving local administration. This was presented by Asst. Prof. Patawee Chotanan, a lecturer from the Faculty of Political Science, Ubon Ratchathani University.
    • A panel discussion featuring politicians, including Mr. Sarayut Jailak from the People’s Party, Mr. Supachai Jaisamut from the Bhumjaithai Party, and Mr. Nattawut Saikua, an advisor to the Prime Minister. The discussion was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanasak Saijampha, Faculty Member from STOU’s School of Political Science.
    • A seminar platform for extracting lessons from decentralization in Thailand through the perspectives of academics, civil society, politicians, and the general public. Attendees included faculty members, academics, professionals, and local administrators such as Prof. Emeritus Dr. Tanet Charoenmuang (local politics academic), Asst. Prof. Patawee Chotanan (Faculty of Political Science, Ubon Ratchathani University), Associate Professor Ekkarin Tuansiri (Faculty of Political Science, Prince of Songkla University), Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttakorn Vititanon (Faculty of Political Science, Chiang Mai University), and Miss Nitchapat Kitcharern (School of Political Science, STOU).

    This seminar provided STOU Political Science students with direct experience, enhanced their knowledge and understanding, and allowed them to contribute their ideas, analyses, and valuable recommendations for the development and improvement of local governance and the country’s decentralization system. Professional experience enhancement training is a vital part of the curriculum for students at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), particularly for fields requiring practical training to develop relevant skills and knowledge. This training aims to prepare students before their professional internships or actual work placements, ensuring they meet quality standards upon graduation.

  • STOU elevates teaching excellence with PSF 2023

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), through its Distance Education Staff Development Academy, recently organized a workshop to prepare faculty members for accreditation under the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023). This internationally recognized framework is set by Advance HE, a leading organization in the United Kingdom.

    The workshop, held from 2-4 July 2025, at STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi, aimed to continuously enhance the quality, standards, and capabilities of STOU’s personnel in teaching and learning support. This initiative aligns with the university’s vision of becoming a globally recognized leader in distance education.

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan,
    Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs
    Prof. Emeritus Dr. Boontip Siritarungsri, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issra Pramoolsook, SFHEA, an expert from Suranaree University of Technology

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony. The training featured two distinguished speakers: Prof. Emeritus Dr. Boontip Siritarungsri, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and Chair of the Accreditation Committee for Teaching and Learning Support in Distance Education, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issra Pramoolsook, SFHEA, an expert from Suranaree University of Technology. Both shared their knowledge and experience with over 60 participating faculty members.

    This training session is a key part of STOU’s policy to promote and develop the knowledge and skills of its staff, particularly in teaching and learning support. The university has a strong track record in this area, with 54 faculty members and academic support staff having previously received accreditation under Advance HE’s PSF 2011 framework. This included 19 Senior Fellows, 10 Fellows, and 25 Associate Fellows.

    With Advance HE updating its assessment criteria from PSF 2011 to PSF 2023, STOU recognizes the importance of equipping its staff with a thorough understanding and correct practices for the new standards. The goal is to ensure continuous and effective professional development in teaching and learning.

    The Distance Education Staff Development Academy initiated this program with the primary objective of increasing the number of accredited personnel. Furthermore, it aims to develop a sufficient pool of high-quality mentors, assessors, and reviewers within the university. These efforts are expected to directly elevate the quality and standards of STOU’s distance learning system, gaining recognition both nationally and internationally in the near future.

  • STOU Donates Used Items to Mirror Foundation for Social Activities

    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 well-conditioned used items to the Mirror Foundation on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. A representative from the foundation received the donation.

    The donated items included adult and children’s clothing and shoes, school uniforms, learning supplies, educational toys, textbooks, and dolls. These items will be utilized by the Mirror Foundation for its various social activities.

    The Mirror Foundation, located at Soi Vibhavadi 62, Yaek 4-7, Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to multifaceted social development. Their work encompasses human rights, media and information technology, volunteer development, and resource sharing. The foundation aims to enhance learning potential and improve lives, operating in online, urban, and rural communities. Guided by the concept of a “mirror” reflecting societal realities, they promote helping those affected by social change and fostering individuals and innovations for sustainable transformation. (For more information, visit: https://www.mirror.or.th)

    This donation initiative was organized under the project “Raising Awareness: Entering the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings,” driven by STOU’s Department of International Affairs. The project’s objectives are to promote waste sorting, efficient resource utilization, and environmental impact reduction. This is achieved by collecting unused items from executives, staff, students, alumni, and the general public, and repurposing them for maximum benefit.

    Beyond fostering awareness of waste sorting, a culture of donation, and efficient resource use, this activity also supports social causes, such as assisting vulnerable members of society.

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University extends its gratitude and appreciation to all staff, students, alumni, and the general public nationwide who contributed to this donation drive, becoming another force in driving sustainable social development.

  • STOU and Department of Mental Health Collaborate on Staff Mental Health Training

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), represented by the Office of Educational Services, has partnered with the Department of Mental Health to organize a workshop focused on basic mental health knowledge for counselors and personnel involved in student educational support services. The training took place at STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi and was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kajornsak Sitthi, Director of the Office of Educational Services.

    This workshop is a direct result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between STOU and the Department of Mental Health. The MOU’s primary objective is to drive and integrate mental health care and support for both students and staff, ensuring they receive systematic promotion, development, prevention, and resolution of mental health issues.

    The training greatly benefited from the support of Mental Health Center 4, Pathum Thani, which provided a team of mental health experts. The team was led by Mr. Worapot Panapawuttikul, an experienced clinical psychologist, who delivered crucial knowledge and practical guidelines. The center also provided partial financial support for the event.

    The key objective of the workshop was to equip participants with foundational knowledge of mental health and prepare them to serve as counselors. This includes enabling them to provide initial assistance to students who may be at risk of developing mental health problems. Fifty STOU personnel from both central and regional offices, whose duties involve counseling, attended the training.

    This workshop marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of life and mental well-being for all involved parties, including both staff and students. It is expected to lead to the establishment of a tangible and sustainable mental health care system in the future.

  • STOU at Thailand Research Expo 2025

    STOU Master’s Student Wins Gold at Thailand Research Expo 2025;
    University Showcases Innovative Research

    The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), along with nationwide research networks, hosted the “Thailand Research Expo 2025: Research for All – Connecting Thailand’s Future with Research and Innovation” from 16-20 June 2025, at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre, CentralWorld. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the opening ceremony on 20 June 2025.

    On 16 June, the first day of the event, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of MHESI, officiated the opening. She was joined by Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of NRCT, executives from national research networks, experts, researchers, innovators, faculty members, students, private sector representatives, and members of the press.

    The Thailand Research Expo 2025 is an annual national research exhibition that serves as a platform to showcase advancements in research, innovation, and technology. This year, with collaboration from research organizations nationwide, the expo presented outcomes capable of driving national development across all dimensions, categorized under six research themes:

    • Research and Innovation for Thai Economic Development with the BCG Economic Model
    • Research and Innovation for Creating National Soft Power
    • Research and Innovation for Industrial Utilization and New Economic Development
    • Research and Innovation for Sustainable Societal Advancement
    • Research and Innovation for Sustainable Environmental Balance
    • Research and Innovation for Empowering Community Enterprises

    A notable highlight of this year’s expo was the gold medal awarded to Mr. Siriwat Luno, a Master’s student from the Educational Measurement and Evaluation program, School of Educational Studies, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). His innovative research, titled “The Development of a Scale to Measure Growth Mindsets for Lower Secondary School Students with the Application of Anchoring Vignettes,” received the gold award in Group 5 (Quality of Life and Soft Power) of the 2025 Higher Education Innovation Competition. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sungworn Ngudgratoke, Faculty Member of the School of Educational Studies, served as his advisor.

    Mr. Siriwat’s work is a significant innovation focused on developing an assessment tool to promote Growth Mindset – the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. This is crucial for preparing youth in a rapidly changing era. The application of Anchoring Vignettes in his measurement scale is a key feature that enhances the accuracy and validity of assessing Growth Mindset beliefs by reducing personal bias in survey responses, thereby yielding truly beneficial data for developing teaching methods and fostering student potential. Mr. Siriwat’s achievement marks another important step in leveraging research for the benefit of Thai education and youth quality of life, aligning with the nation’s Soft Power development goals.

    In addition, STOU’s Institute for Research and Development showcased two significant research projects at the expo:

    • “Sweetness and antioxidant indices of Mango (Mangifera indica cv. ‘Nam Dok Mai Sithong‘) using RGB and NIR images”: Presented as an exhibition, this research focuses on non-destructive evaluation of mango quality, which is of great interest to the agricultural industry. The use of images from various wavelengths, such as RGB and Near-Infrared (NIR), provides in-depth information about the internal properties of the fruit. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supawadee Theerathammakorn, a Faculty Member of the School of Science and Technology, was the lead researcher.
    • “Assessment of Cheating Behavior During Online Exams Using Artificial Intelligence on an Automatic Student Facial Expression Recognition System”: This research was presented in a lecture format by a team of faculty members from the School of Science and Technology.

    During the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supawadee Theerathammakorn represented STOU to receive a plaque of appreciation for the university’s partnership in research networks. Furthermore, Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichat Dittakit, Director of Rajamangalaphisek Education Park and Faculty Member from the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives at STOU received a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Community Research Center in Nonthaburi Province, under the Central Community Research Network. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Director of NRCT, presented both plaques.