Congratulations to faculty members and staff of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University who have recently been awarded UK Professional Standards Framework Fellowship (UKPSF) from Advance HE.
Awarded Senior Fellowship (SFHEA) are:
Asst. Prof. Dr. Kultida Bunjongsiri, School of Health Science
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanathnuth Chatpakkarattana, Office of Educational Technology
Asst. Prof. Dr. Mayurin Laorujisawat, School of Health Science
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ajjaree Limpamont, School of Management Science
Asst. Prof. Dr. Narubodee Wathanakom
Ms. Aphiradee Saranrom, School of Management Science
Ms. Supattra Changsuphan, School of Nursing
Awarded Fellowship (FHEA) are:
Asst. Prof. Dr. Renukar Thongkhamrod, School of Nursing
Dr. Wimalin Rimpeekoo, School of Human Ecology
So far, there are totally 34 Faculty Members and Staff who were certified UKPSF Fellowship by Advance HE.
Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an
The United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF)was introduced to STOU by Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, the First Principal Fellowship of Thailand, in 2019. The university has since employed UKPSF as a tool for human resources development to enrich the professional growth for both faculty members and supporting staff.
The Advance HE awards 4 different categories of fellowship including (1) Fellowship (2) Associate Fellowship (AFHEA), (3) Fellowship (FHEA), (4) Senior Fellowship (SFHEA) and (4) Principal Fellowship (PFHEA), as recognition of expertise.
At present, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) uses the “SMART Principles” training program, co-developed by STOU and Advance HE, which award Associate Fellowship (AFHEA) to the qualified participants.
Congratulations to Mr. Nasree Cheha, a Graduate of the School of Political Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, who ranked first in the national District Secretary recruitment exam.
Opened by the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) in December 2023, the position attracted approximately 10,000 applicants. Among the 700 shortlisted candidates was Mr. Nasree Cheha, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy at the Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University. The examination was held on 24-25 March 2024, and DOPA announced Mr. Nasree Cheha’s appointment as a civil servant for the position on April 4, 2024.
Nasree holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Chulalongkorn University. But with his dream to become a District Secretary, Nasree wanted to pursue a degree in Political Science. This is when he chose to study at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University where he could study for another Bachelor’s degree while working full-time.
In his personal blog “Tips to study at STOU,” Nasree mentioned, “STOU is the place of choice when it comes to providing opportunities for people of all genders, ages, professions, and nationalities to study without space limitations, with the help of educational technology and examination facilities adequately available.”
“I would like to recommend STOU to those seeking additional qualifications for their career or to study for a Bachelor’s degree while working full-time. I believe STOU can provide you with that.”
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) would like to congratulate our faculty members and students of the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Information Science, School of Liberal Arts, who have won the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) scholarship (2024 – 2025) for exchanging technical teaching and research at the Institute of Library and Information Science, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Hungary.
Scholarship Grantees include three faculty members and two students.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Duangkaew Ngernooolsap Faculty Member of Information Science
Miss Chotima Watana Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities, Srinakharinwirot University Student of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Information Science
Nakarin Choon-ngarm, M.D. Head of Department of Psychiatry and Drug Dependence, Debaratana Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital Student of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Information Science
The Scholarship winners will start the activities in September 2024 at the Institute of Library and Information Science of ELTE. Congratulations!
Congratulations to Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Sookaroon Wongtim, Faculty Member of the School of Educational Studies, for being appointed President of the Thai Guidance Psychological Association.
Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Sookaroon Wongtim
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (with First Class Honors) from the Police Nursing College
Master of Science in Public Health Administration from Sukhothai Thammathirat University
Master of Education in Health Education from Srinakharinwirot University
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from Srinakharinwirot University
STOU Administrators and ResearchersSTOU Administrators and Researchers in Thai traditional costume
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, accompanied by Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Acting Director of Department of International Affairs and 5 Researchers consisted of Asst. Prof. Dr. Poom Juasiripukdee, Dean of School of Science and Technology, Assoc. Prof Dr. Sungworn Ngudgratoke, Director of Institute for Research and Development and Faculty Member of School of Education Studies, Asst. Prof. Dr. Adirek Vajrapatkul, Faculty Member of School of Economics, Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Faculty Member of School of Health Science and Dr. Choneratt Suriyarangsun, Faculty Member of School of Liberal Arts, traveled to Yogyakarta, Indonesia to join the OU5 meeting which was organized from 24 – 26 April 2024 by Universitas Terbuka (UT). The Open Universities 5 (OU5) Meeting opens an opportunity of bringing together representatives from 5 leading open and distance learning institutions in Southeast Asia:
Universitas Terbuka (UT), Indonesia
Open University Malaysia (OUM), Malaysia
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), Thailand
University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Philippines
Hanoi Open University (HOU), Vietnam
2024 OU5 Presidential Meeting
Shared Commitment to Excellence
The OU5 network strengthens the collaboration and knowledge sharing among its members, promoting institutional development and research in ASEAN studies. This year’s meeting focused on strategic discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing open and distance higher education in the region.
Key Discussion Points
Progress on 2024 Research Projects: Participants reviewed the progress of ongoing research projects and identified areas for further collaboration.
Nominations for project leaders for 2025 research projects were discussed and the schedule for the first online meeting was finalized.
Establishment of a Shared Repository for OU5 Outputs and Documents: A shared repository to store OU5 outputs and documents was established to facilitate access and collaboration.
The development of an AAOU Quality Assurance Framework was discussed to promote shared standards and best practices.
The status of testing for the benchmarking instrument was reviewed to ensure its effectiveness in measuring performance.
The ICDE Global Advocacy Campaign Asia was discussed to explore ways to promote open and distance education in the region.
The potential of micro-credentials in open and distance education was explored to recognize and certify skills and competencies.
Invitation to join the ICDBSE 2024 Conference and ICDE Global Advocacy Campaign Asia Working Groups Meeting at STOU, Thailand scheduled from 13-14 November 2024.
STOU research presentationResearch presentation
Research Agenda 2024
OU5 researchers identified several key research themes for 2024:
Inclusive Education: Providing Quality Education for All
Artificial intelligence (AI) in digital education
Promoting Sustainable Industrialisation (SDG 9) in ASEAN Region (smart manufacturing, employability & decent work, green grown (SDG9) as the selected agenda)
Counseling Services at OU5 to Promote Good Mental Health in ASEAN
Preserving ASEAN Culture in Digital Age
2024 OU5 Presidential MeetingDr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, Chancellor of UPOU
International Community Service and Collaboration
The OU5 meeting reaffirmed the commitment of participating institutions to engage in international community service initiatives, aiming to make a positive impact on global communities and promote cross-cultural understanding. The OU5 meeting also served as a valuable opportunity for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and strengthening collaboration among open and distance learning institutions in Southeast Asia including sharing the commitment to excellence and the focus on strategic initiatives that will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of open and distance higher education in the region.
The next OU5 Meeting was scheduled to be held in the Philippines but the date would be finalized later.
Congratulations to Associate Professor Dr. Warangkana Chankong, Dean of the School of Health Science, and other seven STOU Alumni on the appointment as Committee Members of Thailand’s Council of Community Public Health according to Article 13 (8) of the Community Health Professions Act, B.E. 2556 (2013).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Warangkana Chankong Faculty Member, Public Health Program Dean, School of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vorapoj Promasatayaprot Deputy Director of Office of General Education, Mahasarakham University Alumni of Bachelor of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
Mr. Chamnan Meemoon Dan Sai District Public Health Executive Alumni of Bachelor of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
Dr. Krittiwat Chatthong Public Health Technical Officer – Professional Level, Chumphon Khet Udomsak Hospital Alumni of Bachelor of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
Dr. Sutthisak Surirak Sirindhorn College of Public Health Suphanburi Alumni of Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health and Safety and Master of Public Health in Industrial Environment Management, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
Mr. Pattapol Akkho Alumni of Bachelor of Laws, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
Mr. Somjai Sudjit Public Health Technical Officer – Professional Level Alumni of Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
Adj. Asst. Prof. Dr. Somtakul Rasiri Alumni of Bachelor of Public Health, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
The Council of Community-Public Health (CCPH) was established under the Community Public Health Profession Act B.E. 2556 (2013). The CCPH plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and safety of community public health practice in Thailand. It is a juristic person with the following responsibilities: issuing licenses to community public health practitioners, considering the suspension or revocation of licenses, certifying degrees, diplomas, or certificates for the practice of community public health, certifying the competence of community public health practitioners, promoting education and research in community public health, and overseeing and regulating the provision of services by community public health practitioners.
11 April 2024 – Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) held an annual event of Songkran, celebrating the Thai New Year under the theme “Songkran: Water Festival the Thai Way.” The event featured Song Nam Phra – water pouring over Buddha statues as a way to make merit, Rod Nam Dam Hua – water pouring on elders’ hands to seek blessings, Thai traditional performances, and a cultural workshop.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University organizes Songkran Festival annually to preserve the nation’s valuable traditions and culture. This year’s event staged Central Thai cultural performances, including: “Ayutthaya Maha Songkran” dance performance by the Office of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Classical Dance and Drama Program, Phranakhon Rajabhat University, “Thai Children’s Traditional Games” performance by students of Jutiporn Kindergarten, “Ram Kratob Mai” – Thai wooden stick dance performance by Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) staff.
A Thai Cultural Learning workshop on making Thai palm leaf ngop (woven hat) was also part of highlighted activities.
On this occasion, the participants joined in pouring water over the Buddha statue and the replica of King Rama VII, and also poured water to seek blessings from the retired civil servants and distinguished persons of the university. In addition, various units within the university also expressed their goodwill to each other by bringing snacks, drinks, and sweets to set up stalls for the participants to enjoy together.
On 10 April 2024, The Institute for Research and Development (IRD), Sukhothai Thammathirat organized an Open House event at Meeting Room 5209, Seminar I Building of STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narathip Sriram, Acting Vice-President for Education, Learning Support, and Research presided over the opening ceremony.
The event was to promote and create an atmosphere for research at the university. It also aimed to share knowledge and encourage research development, publication, and support at both national and international levels among faculty members. The STOU IRD took this opportunity to celebrate the important occasion of the 32nd anniversary of its establishment.
The event featured a Special Talk on “Mission & Next Steps with IRD” and three Academic Forums including “Research Design Concepts” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanchana Wattanasuntorn, “Key Components of a Research Proposal” by Assoc. Dr. Taweewat Wattanakuljaroen, and “Weaknesses in Research Proposal Writing” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarisak Suntornchai.
The STOU Research STAR 2024 Awards were also presented at the event. The awards comprised 21 prizes in 7 categories.
Category
Individual Prize
Organizational Prize
Most Published Researcher (National Level)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Akaphol Kaladee Assoc. Prof. Dr. Araya Prasertchai
School of Educational Studies
Most Published Researcher (International Level)
Dr. Chootrakul Siripaiboon Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemmanat Mingsiritham
School of Agriculture and Cooperatives
Most Cited Researcher (International Level)
Dr. Chootrakul Siripaiboon Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemmanat Mingsiritham
School of Agriculture and Cooperatives
Most External Funded Researcher
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sathita Wimonkunarak Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sineenuch Khrutmuang Sanserm
School of Agriculture and Cooperatives
Highest Number of Research from External Funding
Asst. Prof. Dr. Noppon Akahat Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wittayatorn Tokaew
School of Communication Arts
Highest Participation with IRD
Asst. Prof. Dr. Apiradee Sriopas Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thasothorn Tootongkam
Office of Educational Technology
Most Viewed Research
Asst. Prof. Dr. Padcharee Phasuk with the work “Toll-Pricing Compensation for the Externality on Society of the Nakhon Pathom – Cha Am Intercity Motorway Project
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sineenuch Khrutmuang Sanserm with the work “Distance Instructional Model in Response to Student Needs in New Normal Era in Agricultural Extension and Development Program of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University”
On 4 April 2024, Asst. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, and Ms. Chidchanok Bangsen, International Affairs Officer, represented Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) in delivering items received from donations to Thai Volunteer Service (TVS).
The donations will support the Citizen Volunteer Program which branches out into various activities such as creating kid’s learning activities and distributing medicine and medical supplies to rural areas. Miss Jarucha Thongpinit, The Farm Concept Project Coordinator, represented TVS in receiving the donations.
Thai Volunteer Service started from a small classroom within the Social Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University in 1980. It was officially established as a Foundation in 1986. The office is located at Soi Ratchadaphisek 14 in Bangkok. The foundation has created spaces for the younger generation to drive social change towards justice, equality, and peace through various learning space creation projects and volunteer channels nationally and regionally.
The continuing donation projects carried out at STOU are part of the green and sustainability awareness-raising scheme. Both STOU staff and students have actively participated in all kinds of donations. For those interested, don’t hesitate to get in touch with The STOU Department of International Affairs at 0 2504 7172 for more information.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Chia Tai Co., Ltd. signed an MOU on “Industrial Waste Transformation Towards Sustainable Development Goals,” on Thursday, 21 March 2024 at the Headquarters of Chia Tai Co., Ltd.
STOU and Chia Tai Co.,Ltd. concluded an MOU.
At Auditorium 1-2 of the Chia Tai Co., Ltd. headquarters, Mr. Manas Chiaravanond, Chairman of the Executive Board, welcomed and spoke about the academic cooperation on “Industrial Waste Transformation Towards Sustainable Development Goals”. Mr. Manas mentioned that Chia Tai Co., Ltd. itself has a large amount of agricultural industrial waste, so proper waste or residue management is needed to generate benefits. The knowledgeable faculty members of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University are able to turn the garbage into value-added products, resulting in the development of sustainable communities, and driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, STOU Acting PresidentMr. Manas Chiaravanond, CEO of Chia Tai Co.Ltd.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, STOU Acting President, expressed gratitude and spoke about this academic cooperation project between STOU and Chia Tai Co., Ltd. Dr. Phanompatt stated that STOU has a strategy to respond to community, social and national development towards sustainability. The university can provide knowledge in various fields, whether it be sciences, history, social sciences or culture, with programs developed to align with current situations, we are happy to provide academic knowledge to utilize industrial waste for sustainable communities.
STOU has participated in the UI GreenMetric after having committed to sustainable development. Waste management and environmental education are linked to enhancing the quality of life and happy workplaces, significant for driving the SDGs.
Community Products from Agricultural WastesCommunity Products from Agricultural Wastes
Additionally, STOU has continuous annual research projects and academic services for society in line with the SDGs, to develop and transfer knowledge across disciplines for community, social and national benefit. For example, a research project on “Business Elevation of High-Quality Compost Fertilizer from Agricultural Wastes of Baansabuyjai Community Enterprise and Baansaraphi Community Enterprise in Samut Songkram Province” developed local resource waste into certified quality products, generating income for communities and promoting these as model BCG economy communities selected by the Office of Commercial Affairs Strategy, Ministry of Commerce. This research was extended into an academic outreach project with the Samut Songkhram Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office referred to as “Systematic Upstream Waste Management and Converting Waste into Economic Value in Samut Songkhram Province” in 2024, drawing interest and participation from community enterprise members, farmers and the general public in three districts of Samut Songkhram: Muang, Bang Khonthi and Amphawa. The research and academic outreach projects were accomplished through the efforts of Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichat Dittakit, who serves as the Director of the Rejamangalaphisek Educational Park Division. Additionally, Dr. Parichat is responsible for fostering collaboration between STOU and Chia Tai.
STOU greatly is certain that the collaboration with Chia Tai Co., Ltd. will help push further institutional sustainable development projects forward and be able to give back even more to society.
