Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs, was assigned by the President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) to attend the Workshop on “Mapping the Landscape of Open and Distance Learning” in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 14-17 May, 2025. This workshop was hosted by the SEAMEO Regional Open Learning Centre (SEAMEO SEAMOLEC).
The workshop brought together representatives from various ASEAN countries to jointly explore, analyze, and review the overall landscape of distance education systems in each nation. It featured a series of presentations and discussions addressing equity and inclusion, quality improvement, system management, and infrastructural conditions associated with Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan represented Thailand, presenting and providing an overview of the country’s distance education system, including the educational model of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, which serves as Thailand’s leading institution for distance learning.
The Tumpang Games 2025 – the 41st Thailand University Personnel Games was held from 3-10 May 2025, under the concept of “Power of Spirit,” reflecting the spirit of sportsmanship: knowing how to lose, knowing how to win, and knowing how to forgive. The event brought together athletes and related personnel from 59 higher education institutions across the country, totaling over 7,000 participants competing for 426 gold medals in 17 sports.
On 3 May 2025, the faculty, staff, and athletes of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) participated in the opening ceremony of the Tumpang Games 2025, at the Tumpang Central Stadium, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Miss Waraporn Rungtrakarn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), presided over the opening ceremony. Also in attendance were Mr. Witthaya Khiaorod, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chusit Pradabpet, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the University Sports Board of Thailand (USBT); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Suksuwan, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Sports Promotion for Excellence of the USBT; and delegations of athletes and officials from 59 institutions nationwide.
E-Sport athletesSwimmersE-Sport athletesSwimmers
STOU sent a total of 58 athletes and officials to compete in 7 sports: football, futsal, table tennis, swimming, petanque, esports, and badminton. STOU ended their Tumpang Games 2025 with 6 medals:
1 Gold Medal in Mixed-gender E-Sport
2 Silver Medals in Men’s E-Sport and Men’s 4x50m Freestyle Relay (45-49)
3 Bronze Medals in Men’s 4x50m Medley Relay (45-49), Women’s 50m Breaststroke (50-54), and Men’s Individual Petanque.
The university’s continuous support and promotion of various programs serve as a crucial mechanism to encourage personnel to recognize and prioritize their own health. Furthermore, it fosters happiness, unity, and a positive atmosphere within the workplace.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, along with Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Head of Internationalization Development, Department of International Affairs (the OU5 coordinator for STOU), and five STOU researchers – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Office of Educational Technology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pithak Srisuksai, School of Economics; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anothai Ngamvichaikit, School of Management Science; Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, School of Liberal Arts; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Supamas Chumkaew, Office of Registration, Records and Evaluation – attended The OU5 Retreat 2025 held from 22-26 April 2025, in Penang, Malaysia.
The bi-annual meeting welcomed Presidents, researchers, and OU5 coordinators from five member universities: Hanoi Open University (HOU); Open University Malaysia (OUM); University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU); Universitas Terbuka (UT) and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). The objective was to develop distance learning and joint research among the members.
The meeting included a Presidents’ Meeting and the 2nd meeting on the research topics for 2024, which are:
1. Technology Trends in Education: Nano Learning, Authentic Online Assessment, Gamification, Blockchain and Others (and How AI Will Impact These Technologies);
2. Open University Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future: A Design in View of Fulfillment of SDG 11;
3. Roles of ASEAN Open Universities in Enhancing Entrepreneurship and Global Presence;
4. Roles of Open Universities in STEM Education (Way Forward with a Focus on the State of Gender Equality in ASEAN);
5. Student-Lecturer Ratio as a Parameter of Quality in OFDL Context (What Are the Factors that Determine the Quality of Open Universities?).
Additionally, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity involving tree planting and waste collection in front of the hotel was organized.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University will host the next meeting, now renamed as the 27th OU5 Bi-Annual Summit. The summit is scheduled to take place in Phuket, Thailand, from 27-31 October 2025.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichat Dittakit, Director of Department of Rajamangalaphisek Education Park, delivering a speech
On 28 April 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) participated in the project “Systematic Management of Agricultural Waste from Source to Product Transformation” in Samut Songkhram. Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichat Dittakit, Director of Department of Rajamangalaphisek Education Park, along with Dr. Wanalai Viriyasuthee, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thamrongjet Puttamuk, Faculty Members of the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, were the STOU team who joined the project.
The project, organized by the Office of Natural Resources and Environment of Samut Songkhram, aimed to promote systematic agricultural waste management approaches, not only separation and reduction of waste at the source, but also developing innovations for processing waste into practical products. The project represents an important approach to reducing environmental pollution while increasing income and strengthening local communities.
Moreover, Faculty Members of STOU also presented the application of agricultural knowledge and natural resource management linked to local development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in creating an environmentally friendly society and promoting a circular economy in the agricultural sector.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Khajornsak Sitthi, Director of the Office of Educational Services, delivering welcoming speech
On April 24, 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized a practical workshop on adaptation for students with disabilities and their assistances at the Boriphan Building. The workshop was for new students of the second semester in 2025, aiming to provide knowledge and understanding on the distance learning system and educational services of STOU. As an open university, STOU makes education accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
For undergraduate education at STOU, the university offers various study plans that students can choose according to their needs, increasing opportunities for educational success.
Currently, STOU has more than 500 students with disabilities enrolled. Each year, approximately 15-20 of disabilities students are able to graduate and attend the graduation ceremony. The Disabilities Support Services (DSS) at STOU is dedicated to supporting students with disabilities and those interested in pursuing studies at the university.
On 15 April 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), received an honorary plaque for the “Award for Organizations that Promote Employment and Income Generation for the Elderly 2025” at SENIOR JOB CONNECT, which was held at EVENT HALL 101, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC) Bangna, during the Ageing Thailand 2025 event. The event was organized by the Department of Older Persons (DOP) in collaboration with SKS Market Company Limited and a network of public and private sector partners. The award reflects STOU’s role in creating sustainable opportunities for the elderly in Thai society, while driving the concept of a “quality aging society” in a concrete way.
On 2 April 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) is organized under the awareness project of Green University, The “STOU Ready to Pass On” activities.
The Office of Educational Services and STOU’s Regional Academic Resources are important unit that plays a key role in collecting donations and delivering donated items to the Department of International Affairs, which would distribute them to agencies and places experiencing shortages or in need. Asst. Prof. Dr. Khajornsak Sitthi, Director of the Office of Educational Services, Dr. Apisit Thaoyabut, Deputy Director of the Office of Educational Services, Mrs. Oranuch Kunchanaprakon, Head of Secretarial Section, Mr. Tamphong Wongchan, Acting Director of the STOU’s Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nonthaburi, Mr. Chananyu Pheuaphrom, Head of Network Coordination and Local Community, Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nakhon Si thammarat, Miss Suwannee Sangwong, Acting Head of Disability Student Services Center and the representatives of STOU Nonthaburi Student Club, were the representatives who delivered donated items such as old desk calendars, medicines, lottery tickets, UHT cartons and cloth to Department of International Affairs. Receiving the donated item by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs, the donated item would be distributed to places that wish to utilize it further, which is a way of recycling items instead of wasting them. These STOU staff and Faculties Members play crucial role in driving STOU towards sustainability.
On 18 April 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs and Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs delivered old desk calendars to the Educational Technology Center for the Blind, Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the Queen. The old desk calendars will be converted into Braille calendars to be distributed to visually impaired people throughout the country.
Full-body stockings and plastic cups would be delivered to Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute (SNMRI) for recycled to produce prosthetic legs. The donated items received by Mr. Thawatchai Chansat, Head of Prosthetics Section.
This donation activity aimed to raise awareness of waste management, such as waste recycling to increase its value and benefit, which not only reduces production costs, but also is environmentally friendly, and helps improve the quality of life for disabilities people.
On 10 April 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) presided over the Songkran Festival 2025 at STOU. Dr. Niran Jongwutiwes, Acting for Chairman of University Council delivered a blessing speech. Songkran Festival event was hold at Parichart Pavilion.
Dr. Niran Jongwutiwes, Acting Chairman of University Council, delivering a blessing speechAsst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU presided over the event
The event aimed to preserve the beautiful and valuable national traditions and culture, as well as to reflect gratitude and respect for elders through various activities. This year, the event was organized in the Central Thai culture theme, featuring cultural performances including “Thai Charm” by Southeast Bangkok University, “Mari Kimar: The Legend of Thao Thongkip Ma’s Thong Yip and Thong Yot Desserts” by the College of Teacher Education at Phranakhon Rajabhat University, musical performances by staff members and retirees, and Thai arts and culture workshop through fan weaving practice.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs delivering a speech
On this occasion, participants joined bathing the Buddha image and the statue of King Rama VII, as well as the water-pouring ceremony to ask for blessings from elders. The event activities also helped promote Thailand’s Soft Power and fostered unity by inviting participants to wear contemporary outfits featuring unique regional characteristics from different parts of Thailand.
On 6 April 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized Academic Outreach entitled “Muang Thong Thani, Livable Community” to transfer knowledge and organize learning enhancement activities for the community, to develop community areas with participation for sustainability, and to build cooperation between STOU and neighboring communities. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, presided over the event and joined activities. The event included Merit-making by offering food to monks, pouring water on elders’ hands, for blessings of life. The activities promote unity and harmony between the community and the university, as well as conserve and continue the beautiful Thai traditions during the Songkran celebration.
Mr. Ian Hall, AFHEA, Head of Membership (International)Asst. Prof. Dr. Akadet Manoleehagul Acting Vice-President for Legal Affairs,Human Resources, and University Council AffairsAssoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs
On 9 April 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Akadet Manoleehagul Acting Vice-President for Legal Affairs, Human Resources, and University Council Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, along with the administers of STOU, staff of Distance Education Staff Development Academy (DESDA) and Faculty Members who have been awarded UK Professional Standards Framework Fellowship (UKPSF) from Advance HE, warmly welcomed Mr. Ian Hall, Head of Membership (International) Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) for the visiting for exchanging experiences, creating mutual understanding, as well as policy guidelines for developing teaching systems and supporting learning in distance education according to the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) Version 2023 of STOU.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Theerawut Thammakun, Director of DESDA spoke on the success of PSF and The SMART Programme of STOU. This was followed by a discussion regarding the challenges/current issues that STOU was facing and the goals that Advance HE could support STOU in addressing these issues. Mr. Ian Hall also provided an update on Advance HE regarding current challenges in higher education, key projects, membership benefits, and opportunities for STOU.
UKPSF was a professional standards framework widely used in the United Kingdom for teaching personnel in higher education, such as professors, instructors, researchers, and learning support staff at universities. The UKPSF was under the supervision of Advance HE, which was an organization in the United Kingdom that promoted excellence in higher education. The UKPSF was an internationally recognized standards framework for assessing achievement in teaching and supporting learning in higher education. Its objective was to provide guidelines and standards for those involved in teaching and supporting learning in educational institutions.
Throughout nearly 5 years, STOU had continuously encouraged both academic and supporting staff to receive certification of these standards from Advance HE. Currently, there are 54 certified personnel, divided into 29 with UKPSF certification and 25 through the Smart Programme.
