Born To Be Wild

Author: zomchay

  • Achieving good governance in the local administrative organizations: two decades and moving forward

    Achieving good governance in the local administrative organizations: two decades and moving forward

    5 January 2023 – Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) together with the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister Office, organized an academic symposium to disseminate the works of local administrative organizations that received the good governance award in 2022, at Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel in Nonthaburi. Mr. Teerapong Wongsiwawilas, Secretary-General to the Cabinet, presided over the opening ceremony

    The event featured both poster and oral presentations from the top three awardees of the 4 categories including 1) digital and informational system, 2) grassroots community and economy development, 3) education and public health, and 4) environment and urban development. There was also an academic discussion on “Achieving good governance in the local administrative organizations: two decades and moving forward.” There were a number of attendants both on-site and online.

    In collaboration with the Office of the Commission on Decentralization to Local Administrative Organization, the STOU School of Management Science organized the awarding event and the symposium continuously to honor local administrative organizations that succeeded in developing and increasing the potential of local public services, as well as successfully created local innovations.

    STOU acted as the advisor to the award committee with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narathip Sriram, Acting Vice-President for Education and Learning Support as the Chief Advisor. There were a total of 421 local administrative organizations participated and 271 recognized with good governance awards. The top awardees of both poster and oral presentations featured in this year’s symposium include the following.

    Digital and informational system

    1. Pakkret Municipality, Nonthaburi
    2. Nakhon Sawan Municipality, Nakhon Sawan
    3. Yala Municipality, Yala
    4. Pa Sak Subdistrict Municipality, Lampoon
    5. Non Sa-ad Subdistrict Municipality, Nong Bua Lamphu
    6. Pang Mu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Mae Hong Son
    7. Mae Suad Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Mae Hong Son

    Grassroots community and economy development

    1. Chiang Kan Subdistrict Municipality, Loei
    2. Mae Tuen Subdistrict Municipality, Lampoon
    3. Takhian Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Si Sa Ket
    4. Pakmai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Si Sa Ket
    5. Ta Kham Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Songkhla

    Education and public health

    1. Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organization
    2. Nan Provincial Administrative Organization
    3. Ubon Ratcha Thani Provincial Administrative Organization
    4. Lampoon Provincial Administrative Organization
    5. Tha Ruea Phra Thaen Municipality, Kanchanaburi
    6. Yan Yao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Sukhothai

    Environment and urban development

    1. Khao Sam Yot Municipality, Lopburii
    2. Thung Song Municipality, Nakhon Si Thammarat
    3. Nan Municipality, Nan
    4. Roi Et Municipality, Roi Et
    5. Thap Ma Municipality, Rayong
    6. Rong Kham Municipality, Kalasin
  • STOU co-hosted a forum on Marriage Equality Rights Policymaking

    STOU co-hosted a forum on Marriage Equality Rights Policymaking

    On 8 December 2022, The School of Law, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), and the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand co-hosted a forum on Policymaking Trends and Directions for Marriage Equality Rights for Sexual Diversity People in Thailand at the main conference hall of Phitayapat Building at STOU main campus in Nonthaburi.

    The speakers at the forum included Mr. Kerdchoke Kasemwongjit, Deputy Director-General of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD); Mr. Thanyawat Kamolwongwat, Spokesperson of the Committee on Children, Youth, Women, Older Persons, Persons with. Disabilities, Ethnic Groups, and LGBTs; Mr. Kittinun Daramadhaj, President of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand; Ms. Nareeluck Phaechaiphum, Director of the International Human Rights Division; Mr. Tankhun Jitt-itsara, Member of the Select Committee of Civil Partnership Bill Consideration; Prof. Dr. Suchatchavee Suwansawas, Head of Modern Education Campaign, Democrat Party; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sathita Wimonkunarak, Advisor to the Select Committee of Civil Partnership Bill Consideration, and lecturer of the STOU School of Law. The forum drew attention to participants both on-site and online.

  • STOU joins the ICDE GAC Asia

    STOU joins the ICDE GAC Asia

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) as a member of the International Council of Distance Education (ICDE) joined two Working Groups of the Global Advocacy Campaign (GAC) for Open Flexible and Distance Learning (OFDL) – Asia.

    The ICDEGAC-Asia (#ICDEGACAsia) is part of the ICDE Global Campaign for Open Flexible and Distance Learning (OFDL) which aims to develop a deeper understanding of regional challenges and construct key OFDL messaging within organized working groups around the world. Specific for Asia, the campaign aims to increase the level of awareness and practice of OFDL through the implementation of the campaign in different Asian countries. Subsumed under the campaign will be advocating for changes in collaboration and quality; valuing student voices; technology’s role; guidance for policymakers; and open educational resources (OER). The GAC-Asia is one of the ICDE-GAC Task Forces along with Oceania, Latin America, and Europe.

    STOU joined two Working Groups of the ICDE GAC Asia as the following.

    1. Working Group 4 on “Development of Digital Platform”
      Members include Dr. Tejtasin Phiasai (Deputy Director, Office of Computer Services), Ms. Nisachon Piyasin (Office of Computer Services), and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson (Acting Director, Department of International Affairs)
    2. Working Group 5 on “Future Collaboration”
      Members include Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sungworn Ngudgratoke (Director, Institute for Research and Development), Dr. Phantupa Amornrit (Faculty Member, Office of Educational Technology), and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson (Acting Director, Department of International Affairs)
  • 2022 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings

    2022 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) has been ranked 489th in the world among a sustainable universities list.

    Started in 2010, the UI GreenMetric is an initiative of Universitas Indonesia that ranks universities throughout the world based on their commitment and actions toward sustainability.

    In 2022, UI GreenMetric themed “Collective Actions for Transforming Sustainable Universities in the Post-Pandemic Time,” focusing on universities’ efforts to continue their sustainability programs and policies based on UI GreenMetric and SDGs while preparing for teaching, learning, and research in post-pandemic Covid-19. There were 1,050 universities from 80 countries participated in the 2022 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Participants completed an online questionnaire with six categories: setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste, water, transportation, and education. With a total of 6,070 out of 10,000 points, STOU has been ranked 489th in the world, and 28th in Thailand.
    STOU has put sustainability among one of the five missions in the STOU Plan for Excellence.

    The Top 10 Universities in 2022 UI Green Metric World University Rankings

    1. Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands (Last year rank: 1)
    2. Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom (Last year rank: 4)
    3. University of Nottingham, UK (Last year rank: 2)
    4. University of Groningen, Netherlands (Last year rank: 3)
    5. University of California, Davis, USA (Last year rank: 5)
    6. Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld (Trier University of Applied Sciences), Germany (Last year rank: 6)
    7. University College Cork, Ireland (Last year rank: 8)
    8. University of Connecticut, USA (Last year rank: 9)
    9. Universitat Bremen, Germany (Last year rank: N/A)
    10. Universidade de Sao Paulo USP, Brazil (Last year rank: 10)

    The Top 10 Thai Universities in 2022 UI Green Metric World University Rankings

    1. Kasetsart University (World rank: 40)
    2. Mahidol University (World rank: 46)
    3. King Mongkut ‘s University of Technology Thonburi (World rank: 63)
    4. Suranaree University of Technology (World rank: 68)
    5. Mahasarakham University (World rank: 101)
    6. Siam University (World rank: 102)
    7. Walailak University (World rank: 111)
    8. Mae Fah Luang University (World rank: 119)
    9. Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) (World rank: 124)
    10. Dhurakij Pundit University (World rank: 154)

    The overall ranking can be found here.

  • The Signing Ceremony of MOA at the OU5 Meeting 2022

    The Signing Ceremony of MOA at the OU5 Meeting 2022

    On 29 November 2022, the Memorandum of Agreement between the member universities of OU5, including Open University Malaysia (OUM), Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Universitas Terbuka (UT), and Hanoi Open University (HOU) was signed at the OU5 Meeting 2022, held at STOU main campus in Nonthaburi. The MOA signing ceremony was witnessed by Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes and Vice Consul Susan Phoebe Sabado of the Embassy of the Philippines, Mr. Bong Yik Jui, Minister of the Embassy of Malaysia, Drs. Muhammad Sofian Sori, Office of Education and Culture Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.

    The MOA was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang, President/Vice Chancellor of OUM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manit Jumpa, Acting President of STOU, Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, Chancellor of UPOU, Prof. Ojat Darojat, Rector of UT, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhung, President of HOU.

    Hosted by Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, the OU5 Meeting 2022 was held at STOU Nonthaburi during 29-30 November 2022. Other than the signing of MOA, the meeting included the Presidents’ Meeting, 2022 Research Projects Report, 2023 Research Meeting, Discussion on ‘University of the Future,’ and the OU5 Coordinators’ Meeting.

    The partnership among the OU5 member universities has stood for over ten years through continuous research collaborations and academic activities. The opportunity to sign the MOA reaffirmed the members’ close relationship. The OU5 member universities will continue to collaborate in research and other academic activities. The next OU5 Meeting will be hosted by Open University Malaysia in May next year.

  • Engagement Australia Conference 2022

    Engagement Australia Conference 2022

    Asst. Prof. Dr. Theradej Manoleehagul, Acting Vice-President for University Council Affairs and Asst. Prof. Krittika Jiwaluk, Director of the Office of Documentation and Information, participated in Engagement Australia (EA) Conference and Carnegie Community Engagement Classification meetings and events during 21-25 November 2022, in Sydney, Australia.

    The conference was the platform for EA to share and exchange knowledge and experience in relation to university community engagement theory and practice. The Australian cohort also shared their experience of the Australian pilot of the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification and hosted visits to a number of universities in Sydney.

  • STOU signs MOU with NFE to cater Graduate Diploma on Curriculum and Instruction

    STOU signs MOU with NFE to cater Graduate Diploma on Curriculum and Instruction

    On 21 November 2022, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manit Jumpa, Distinguished Member of the University Council, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), and Ms. Songsri Wirarangsiyakorn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education (NFE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at STOU Nonthaburi. The ceremony was witnessed by executives from both parties.

    The MOU is aimed to promote teacher professional development through the two parties’ collaboration. STOU will offer the Graduate Diploma Program in Curriculum and Instruction which will qualify those who complete the program to apply for Standard Teaching License. The Office of NFE is responsible for the recruitment of future students.

    The Graduate Diploma Program in Curriculum and Instruction was approved by the University Council, and the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and also certified by the Teachers’ Council of Thailand.

  • ASAIHL International Conference in Sukhothai

    ASAIHL International Conference in Sukhothai

    Dr. Padcharee Phasuk, Dean of the School of Economics, joined the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) International Conference during 7-10 November 2022 at Sukhothai Treasure Resort and Spa, Sukhothai, Thailand. The Conference themed Higher Education Reshaping for Resilience in Post COVID-19 Era.

    The Conference acted as a platform for academicians, researchers, business providers, and interested stakeholders to share their points of view and expertise, particularly in current global issues which affect the focal missions of universities, i.e., teaching, research, and academic services. The participants enjoyed the academic and recreational activities provided by Naresuan University, the Conference host. They also gained much knowledge of teaching delivery and technology-aided learning environment, commercialized research for productivity and better quality of life, and equity and easily accessible academic services.

  • STOU joins NRRU to offer Double-Degree Program

    STOU joins NRRU to offer Double-Degree Program

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University (NRRU) join hands in offering a Double-Degree Program on Political and Administrative Science and Laws.

    The program will be offered to personnel from the local military and police agencies in Nakhon Ratchasima including the Second Army Area, the Provincial Police Region 3, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, and the Provincial Police Training Center Region 3. The students of the Double-Degree Program will graduate with degrees from both universities, a Master of Public Administration from NRRU and a Master of Laws from STOU.

    An MOU in regard to the execution of the program was signed by all parties at NRRU on 9 November 2022. The ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, Chairman of the NRRU University Council.

  • 2022 Loi Krathong Celebration at STOU

    2022 Loi Krathong Celebration at STOU

    8 November 2022 – Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) with nearby public offices and private enterprises joined hands to celebrate Loi Krathong at the university campus located in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi. Governor Suthee Thongyam presided over the opening ceremony of the celebration themed “Inheriting the Legend of the Southern Land.”

    STOU administrators

    This year Loi Krathong celebration at STOU was co-hosted by many parties including Phranakhon Rajabhat University, Jutiporn Kindergarten, Phasukmaneejak School, Department of Lands, Thailand Post, Taokaenoi Food & Marketing Company, Tong Garden Company, Sukhothai Thammathirat Association, Sukhothai Thammathirat Club, STOU Co-operative Store, and STOU Savings and Credit Cooperative. The evening featured a Noppamas contest, an eco-friendly Krathong contest, folk performances, luk thung musicians, and other presentations.

    The Loi Krathong celebration allowed the university and the community to jointly promote and preserve Thai traditions. STOU also fulfilled the role as a center for academic and recreational activities in the community.