Blog

  • STOU in The 38th Annual Conference of AAOU 2025

    On 20-23 October 2025, a delegation from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) attended the 38th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU 2025) hosted by the Open University of China (OUC)
    in Beijing, China.

    The STOU delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, Acting President, and included Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Acting Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology and International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Saynamphung Tongsai, Dean of the School of Human Ecology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Lecturer from the Office of Educational Technology; Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattasit Chaisaard, Academic Staff from the School of Management Science; Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs; and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson,
    Head of the Internationalization Development Unit.

    The hybrid conference, held under the theme “Transforming ODL for a Sustainable Lifelong Learning Society,” highlighted
    the global transformation of higher education driven by innovation and digital empowerment. With diverse sessions—including the AAOU Executive Committee Meeting, the workshop “Write to Publish: Strategies for High-Impact Academic Papers,” keynote presentations, the AAOU Accreditation Board meeting, and parallel sessions—the event fostered meaningful collaboration and extensive knowledge sharing among participants.

    On this occasion, STOU presented 2 researches papers onsite on 21 and 22 October 2025:

    1. Title: Learners’ Feedback on Innovative Practical Learning with Metaverse Based on Gamification Concept

    Presenters: Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu and Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattasit Chaisaard

    • Title: Determinants of AI Adoption in Authentic Online Assessment among ODL Educators

                Presenters: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan


    This was a great opportunity for STOU to expand network, exchange knowledge and demonstrate the capability of
    the members on the international stage.

  • STOU organized International Seminar under MOU with UMI

    From 24 to 27 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the international seminar featuring special lectures from Moulay Ismaïl University (UMI), Morocco. The seminar is part of our collaborative project under the MOU between STOU and UMI, reflecting our longstanding friendship and partnership, which follows the goals including knowledge exchange, joint webinars, joint research projects, and joint academic activities. Furthermore, the seminar featured a special lecture from experts in the field. On this occasion professors from UMI also visited the schools to discussed possible collaboration with each school, where they were participated as a special lecturer.

    The international seminar was hosted by 3 schools of STOU: the School of Science and Technology, the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the School of Economics.

    The School of Science and Technology

    The seminar was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs and featured a report delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Poom Juasiripukdee,
    Dean of the School of Science and Technology.  

    Special lecture on “Product Design and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems: Insight from Morocco, Innovation and Global Trends”

    Speaker: Prof. Dr. Abdelmajid Ait Taleb from Moulay Ismaïl University

    The international seminar provides significant benefits;

    1. Fostering International Academic Collaboration
    2. Knowledge and Experience Exchange
    3. Curriculum Development Support
    4. Promoting Joint Research
    5. International Dissemination of Work
    6. Raising Academic Quality and Enhancing International Profile

    The School of Agriculture and Cooperatives

    The seminar was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services,
    Arts and Culture Preservation.

    Special lecture on “Rural Youth in Morocco: Aspirations, Challenges, and Role in Agricultural Sustainability”

    Speaker: Prof. Dr. Zhour Bouzidi from Moulay IsmaÏl University


    Another special lecture on “Agricultural Sustainability and Development: Insight from Thailand

    Speaker: Asst. Prof. Dr. Narat Rattanacharoen from School of agriculture and Cooperatives, STOU


    Besides, STOU also provided a study visit at Organ by Smart Nine Farm for knowledge exchange.

    The School of Economics

    The seminar was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation.

    Special lecture on “Development of Agro-industry for Sustainability: Lesson from North Africa and ASEAN Countries”

    Speaker: Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ait Hou from Moulay Ismaïl University

    Moreover, the School of Economics, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Padcharee Phasuk, Dean of the School, together with the visiting professor from UMI, held a fruitful discussion that culminated in the establishment of a Framework for Academic Collaboration for 2026. They also proposed the establishment of a Joint Coordination Committee to enhance international cooperation, which will focus on the following areas:

    1. Exchange of Academic Staff
    2. Joint Organization of International Academic Conferences
    3. Joint Development of a Master’s Program in Economics

    These activities represent a significant step that reflects the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two institutions, as well as future collaborations.

  • STOU Expand Educational Opportunity for Inmate

    On 30 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Department of Corrections co-organized
    Wai Kru Ceremony and Student Orientation for the first semester of Academic Year 2025 at the Correctional Institution
    for Drug Addicts, Bangkok. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, along with Mr. Somboon Sila, Deputy Director-General of Department of Corrections, delivered speeches to inmates with student status.

    The main objective of this project is to promote education for inmates in prisons and correctional institutions nationwide through a distance learning system. The primary goals are to expand educational opportunities for inmates, correct and rehabilitate their behavior, develop their potential, build knowledge, and provide academic qualifications. These are crucial factors that will help the inmates return to society as quality individuals and enable them to pursue honest employment to support themselves and their families after release.

  • STOU Donations in September 2025 Collected from the STOU Green Day 2025

    On 19 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs, delivered plastic water bottles, plastic bottle caps, plastic bags, and UHT drink cartons collected and sorted as part of the waste separation efforts at the STOU Green Day 2025 event to Wat Chak Daeng, Samut Prakan.

    On the same day STOU also delivered underpads, tissues, adult diapers, medical supplies, cloth bags, cosmetics, and other items from STOU Green Day 2025 to the director of the Phrapradaeng Center for Empowerment and Vocational Development for Persons with Disabilities, Samut Prakan. The donation items would be utilized to support the better life of people with disabilities.

    This donation drive is part of the “Raising Awareness for UI Green Metric World University Rankings” initiative. The project highlights waste-sorting and promotes the reuse of unused items to their full potential. This helps reduce production costs, benefits the environment,
    and improves their quality of life.

  • STOU in Doing Business with Saskatchewan” Forum

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) attended the “Doing Business with Saskatchewan” Forum on 26 September 2025, at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok. The STOU’s delegation consists of Asst. Prof. Janenarong Tiensawang, Dean of
    the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairas and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ponsaran Saranrom, a faculty member of the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

    On the occasion of the official visit to Bangkok of the Honorable Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development, Government of the Province of Saskatchewan (Canada).

    This exclusive gathering will offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with Minister Kaeding and senior representatives from Saskatchewan and to exchange views on advancing commercial and partnership opportunities between Saskatchewan and Thailand. The STOU delegation shared knowledge and had discussions with experts at this event.

  • STOU in ICIT 2025

    On 8 – 14 September 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamolrat Intaratat, School of Communication Arts (DevCom) and Director of
    the CCDKM Expertise Research Center of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), presented research at
    the International Conference on Innovation and Technopreneurship 2025 (ICIT 2025) at INTI International University, Malaysia.


    The conference focuses on QS Ranking University and delivered a special lecture on Innovation and Technopreneurship and the use of Communication Technology & Innovation transitioning from Digital Communication Technology to AI (Artificial Intelligence) in various empowering dimensions, i.e., functional education throughout the system, from the policy level to
    the learner, within a lifelong learning ecosystem in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework with “Quality Education” and “Leave No One Behind.” This Digital Communication Technology & AI (Artificial Intelligence) aims to empower all groups of people, particularly those with special needs in Thai society, such as all groups of out-of-school learners, the elderly, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, informal workers, marginal women & young girls.

  • STOU in The Foodism Show – All About Diet & Healthy Eating

    On 18 September 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, joined the stage to deliver a speech at the “Foodism Show – All About Diet & Healthy Eating” event, which took place at IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

    STOU shows our intent in carbon reduction and driving Thai society towards sustainability. To achieve this, the university has launched a course titled “Carbon Footprint Assessment and Sustainable Industrial Management Innovation.” This initiative aligns with the university’s mission to generate knowledge, develop quality personnel, and demonstrate its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

    In terms of carbon reduction: STOU has integrated academic knowledge with practical application through collaboration with the private sector and local communities. This partnership aims to develop skills in analyzing, calculating, and designing approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Students gain not only academic expertise but also create innovations that can be practically implemented in organizations and communities. These efforts help to reduce waste and establish a balance between the economy, society, and the environment.

    Academic Outreach: STOU serves as a center of learning and sharing knowledge, working to enhance the potential of individuals in the industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as local communities. Furthermore, STOU promotes participation among the university, its partner networks, and the general public. These efforts are crucial for fostering environmental awareness and a shared responsibility for the nation’s future.

    STOU has also shared its knowledge at a public forum on the topic of “Healthy Body, Happy Mind, STOU Style,” which consists of Asst. Prof. Dr. Warangkana Chankong, Dean of the School of Health Science, Asst. Prof. Dr. Goontalee Bangkadanara, faculty member of the School of Health Science, Asst. Prof. Dr Narat Rattanacharoen, faculty member of the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supawadee Theerathammakorn, faculty member of the School of Science and Technology and Dr. Weawboon Yamsaengsung, faculty member of the School of Science and Technology and head of
    the project.

  • STOU organized First Aid for Life Safety Workshop

    On 16 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the First Aid for Life Safety Workshop. On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Renukar Thongkhamrod, Dean of the School of Nursing, presided over the workshop. The Director of Watsaluknue School and STOU faculty members joined the workshop with other 40 participants, including Village Health Volunteers (VHV), and general public. The workshop took place at Watsaluknue School, Nonthaburi.


    This academic outreach projects aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of Village Health Volunteers (VHV) and the general public regarding correct and safe basic first aid, by applying the academic knowledge and expertise of its faculty and staff across various disciplines to benefit the community and society.

    The workshop covers both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises for responding to various emergencies. This includes first aid for fainting and choking, managing insect and animal stings/bites, assisting victims of electric shock, as well as controlling bleeding, dressing wounds, and safely moving injured persons. This comprehensive workshop will enable participants to effectively use their knowledge to care for their family and community members.

  • STOU donation in September 2025

    On 9 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairas, delivered old calendars to Ms. Chanidapa Petcharak, Director of the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand Under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The Queen. These old calendars will be made into Braille desk calendars and passed on to visually impaired people to use in the following year.

    On the same day, STOU also delivered full-body stockings and hard plastic cups and paper bags to the Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute (SNMRI). The full-body stockings will be used to mold the prosthetic socket. Plastic cups will be utilized as containers for mixing chemicals needed to manufacture prosthetic devices. Paper bags will be reused for
    take-home medicine instead of plastic bags.

    This donation drive is part of the “Raising Awareness for UI Green Metric World University Rankings” initiative. The project highlights the waste-sorting awareness that promotes the reuse of unused items to their full potential. This helps reduce production costs, benefits the environment, and improves their our of life.

  • STOU signed MOU with Thai-Chinese Institute of Media and Business Administration

    On 12 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) ), through its Master of Business Administration program at the School of Management Science, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thai-Chinese Institute of Media and Business Administration

    The signing ceremony took place at The Emerald Hotel, Bangkok. The MOU was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU and Miss Kantharos Hanchaiphibunkul, Director of Thai-Chinese Institute of Media
    and Business Administration  among witnesses of two institutions.

    The objective of this collaboration is to elevate higher education and develop the potential of personnel in Thai-Chinese mass media and business administration. This includes educational aspects such as curriculum management, research, seminars, and training, all of which will benefit both institutions.