On 3 October 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (JGSEE-KMUTT). The signing ceremony took place at STOU headquarters. The MOU was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit Saetia, President of KMUTT among the ceremony witnesses from two institutions.
The MOU aims to on the integration of resources, knowledge, and networks to create tangible results in the following key areas:
Cooperation in training and research
Development of short-term courses, certificate programs, and diplomas to expand educational opportunities in environmental and low-carbon studies to the general public
Capacity building for personnel in teaching, research, and academic services
Implementation of activities consistent with the missions of both institutions for the benefit of students and society
On 9 October 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamolrat Intaratat and Dr. Hussaporn Thongdaeng, School of Communication Arts, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, were invited to serve as speakers for the AMIC MASTER CLASS at SNDT WOMEN University of India, Mumbai at the 31st AMIC Annual Conference, which is organized on 9-11 October 2025.
The consensus knowledge and skills in AI FOR INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION has been collaborated among all global known universities i.e. SHARDA Universiy, India, ULAB, Bangladesh and others.
On 29 September 2025 The director of Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC) led the team to delivered plastic bottles and plastic caps to Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). This donation accepted by Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs.
This donation is a part of the support for the raising awareness project for “the World University Rankings: Green University,” which is focuses on sustainable waste management, from sorting and proper recycling to creating value through reuse, while instilling a sense of social and environmental responsibility.
In this occasion, Thai-MECC also study visited at Educational Broadcasting Production Center (EBPC).
On 26 September 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Walisa Romsaiyud, Faculty Member of the School of Science and Technology, was invited from Hanoi Open University, Vietnam, to be a keynote speaker in “Artificial Intelligence in Open Education: Challenges and Opportunities. ”The conference aims to exchange knowledge and best practices for developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in non-formal education and lifelong learning.
She has expertise and outstanding research achievements in the field of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, it reflects Thailand’s potential to contribute to driving education and innovation at an international level.
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:
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.
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;
Fostering International Academic Collaboration
Knowledge and Experience Exchange
Curriculum Development Support
Promoting Joint Research
International Dissemination of Work
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:
Exchange of Academic Staff
Joint Organization of International Academic Conferences
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
