Category: Happenings

On 19 April 2026, Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida traveled to the Anek Nithat Building at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) in Pakkret, Nonthaburi on the occasion of the graduation ceremony of the 2023 academic year graduates (Class 42). They were received upon arrival by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana.

This year, the STOU University Council unanimously resolved to present honorary doctoral degrees to two members of the Royal Family for their outstanding contributions to the nation:

• HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn: Conferred with an Honorary Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension and Development. This honor recognizes her tireless dedication to education, human resource development, and the practical implementation of the “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy” in agriculture.
• HRH Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana: Conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Science. The degree honors her determination to improve the quality of life for Thai citizens through the establishment of Chulabhorn Hospital, the Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, and the “Disease-Free Animals, Safe Humans from Rabies” project.

For the 2023 academic year, a total of 8,832 students completed their studies across various levels:

• Undergraduate: 7,637 graduates from 11 disciplines.
• Master’s Degree: 871 graduates from 12 disciplines.
• Doctoral Degree: 24 graduates from 4 disciplines.

Distinctions of Excellence:

• 65 Graduates received Honors (17 First-Class, 48 Second-Class).
• 7 Graduates were awarded the prestigious “Golden Tri-Sorn Pin” for achieving First-Class Honors with top-tier academic scores.
• The graduating class also included 18 graduates with disabilities, 35 monks, and one nun, reflecting STOU’s commitment to inclusive education.

During the ceremony, His Majesty the King delivered a royal address, offering wisdom for the graduates’ future paths:

“In living one’s life and pursuing a career—regardless of the era—one must possess immense mental fortitude and stability to avoid succumbing to obstacles or hardships. One must maintain self-control always to do what is right. I ask all graduates to diligently cultivate mindfulness (self-awareness) and wisdom (reasoning) so they may grow into a powerful strength for your lives thereafter.”

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University remains a leader in distance learning, adhering to the philosophy of Lifelong Learning. By utilizing various media and research-driven curricula, STOU aims to resolve national crises and enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness. Over its 47-year history, STOU has produced a total of 543,031 undergraduate alumni and 19,237 postgraduate alumni, cementing its role as a vital institution for human resource development in Thailand.

On Friday, 3 April 2026, at 2:30 PM, at Special Lounge 205, 2^nd Floor, Parliament Building, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic cooperation with the Secretariat of the House of Representatives. This partnership aims to integrate academic knowledge with parliamentary expertise to drive democratic promotion activities for Thai youth and the general public.

The ceremony featured the following key representatives:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU.
• Mr. Sirote Patpun, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives.

The signing was witnessed by Mrs. Jongduan Suttirat, Deputy Secretary-General of the House of Representatives, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Saynamphung Tongsai, Dean of the School of Human Ecology at STOU. Executives, faculty members, and staff from both organizations also attended the ceremony.

The primary goal of this collaboration is to foster understanding and develop appropriate attitudes toward the democratic system of government with the King as Head of State. This will be achieved through the synergy between the Democracy Promotion and House of Representatives Activities Group and the academic expertise of STOU’s School of Human Ecology.

Key areas of focus include:

• Civic Education: Developing curricula and activities to empower students and the public to live effectively and responsibly within a democratic society.
• Political Participation: Creating channels and opportunities for citizens to engage with the parliamentary system accurately and in accordance with democratic principles.
• Youth Support: Strengthening the “Democratic Youth” project, a long-standing initiative that has been operational for over 25 years.

As a state higher education institution, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University reaffirmed its readiness to provide multi-disciplinary academic support. This partnership ensures that democratic promotion initiatives are implemented efficiently, providing maximum benefit to the nation and its citizens.

3 April 2026 — Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance academic cooperation, research, and innovation aimed at promoting transparency and good governance in Thai society.

The signing ceremony took place at STOU’s Administration Building, featuring Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, and Mr. Surapong Intharathaworn, Secretary-General of the NACC. Key executives from both institutions witnessed the landmark agreement.

This strategic partnership focuses on three core pillars:

• Academic and Research Excellence: Collaborative efforts to conduct in-depth research and analyze data regarding anti-corruption measures under the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption B.E. 2561 (2018). The findings will serve as a critical database for policy development.
• Innovation and Knowledge Dissemination: Leveraging STOU’s expertise in distance learning to develop educational innovations. The goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of misconduct among public and private sectors, students, and the general public, fostering a “zero-tolerance” culture.

Curriculum Development: Integrating anti-corruption laws, constitutional law, and public procurement regulations into academic programs to equip learners with specialized legal knowledge and strong ethical standards.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) reinforces its status as a premier hub for learning and international seminars. This March, the university was selected as the venue for two major consecutive events in the global printing and packaging industry, held at the Main Conference Room, G Floor, Library and Learning Resources Center.

STOU Press served as the primary coordinator for the venue and logistics. In addition to hosting, the university’s personnel participated in these sessions to update their knowledge on world-class technologies and hosted workshop booths to showcase STOU’s own printing capabilities and standards.

These events provided a vital platform for experts, brand owners, and designers from across the region to exchange insights and elevate printing quality standards.

16–17 March 2026: Bangkok Packaging Master Class 2026

Organized by Idealliance Southeast Asia, Japan & Korea, Graphics World, and Idealliance Taiwan. This intensive two-day workshop focused on bridging the “communication gap” between creative designers and production teams. The goal was to minimize waste and ensure consistent quality control in packaging production.

18 March 2026: The G7+ Exchange Conference Asia 2026

A high-level seminar dedicated to Modern Color Management. The conference featured world-renowned experts, including Ray Weiss from the PRINTING United Alliance and Ron Ellis,
a leading specialist in G7+ systems, who shared global strategies and industry best practices. This collaboration underscores STOU’s commitment to integrating academic excellence with industry-leading technology on an international scale.

On 14 January 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Natural Resources and Environmental Cooperation. This partnership aims to promote the upcycling of “waste materials” within the university
to create sustainable value-added products with A.Best Inter Products Co.Ltd. (A.Best).  

The signing ceremony took place at STOU headquarters. The MOU was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, and Mr. Rungroj Boontarak, Director of A.Best. Among the ceremony witnesses from two institutions were
Dr. Tanapond Swanpitak, Vice-President for Financial Affairs and University Assets of STOU,  Asst. Prof. Dr. Jeeranuch Buddeejeen, Director of the Office of the University Press of STOU, Mr. Veerapong Boontarak, Chief Commercial Officer of A.Best, and
Mr. Noparuj Nilkot, Human Resources Manager of A.Best.

The objectives of this MOU are as follows: developing research and academic projects, enhancing and creating value, and establishing a collaborative model.

On 3-6 December 2525, Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology and International Affairs and Asst. Prof. Pongsit Aroonratanakul, Dean of the School of Law, joined the ASAIHL Conference 2025 on “Learn by Doing: Experiential Learning in Higher Education” which took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

This conference serves as a stage for executives, academics, and experts from diverse professions to exchange ideas, research findings, and best practices under the following three key themes:

• Career Management – Preparing students for an ever-changing global workforce
• Global Citizenship Optimization – Fostering cultural competence and social responsibility
• High-Impact Practices – Exploring transformative learning experiences, including internships, co-ops, and undergraduate research.

STOU Phetchaburi has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Secondary Educational Service Area Office Phetchaburi. This collaboration aims to promote the “Pre-Degree Certificate Program” and STOU’s undergraduate courses across 22 pilot schools in Phetchaburi province, enhancing distance learning and preparing students for full-scale higher education in the digital age.

On 6 January 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, through its Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Phetchaburi, held an official MOU signing ceremony for the academic cooperation project. This initiative encourages secondary school students to enroll in pre-degree undergraduate courses (Certificate Program) offered by STOU.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking executives from both organizations:

STOU Representatives: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, signed on behalf of the university, with Ms. Samanun Ngoenerd, Director of the STOU Phetchaburi Regional Center, as a witness.

Phetchaburi Educational Office Representatives: Dr. Nattinan Phramsang, Acting Director of the Secondary Educational Service Area Office Phetchaburi, signed on behalf of the office, with Dr. Worawut Thanomsap, Deputy Director, as a witness.

The event was also honored by witnesses from STOU’s academic and administrative leadership, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri (Vice-President for Academic Services), Asst. Prof. Dr. Kajornsak Sitti (Director of the Office of Educational Services), and
Asst. Prof. Witoon Wong-amat (Director of Corporate Communications).

The MOU aims to achieve four primary goals across the 22 participating schools:

Promotion: Encourage high school students in Phetchaburi to pursue pre-degree credits through STOU’s diverse certificate programs.

Preparation: Ready students for distance learning systems, which are becoming the standard for education in the digital era.

Opportunity: Create pathways for students to pursue higher education concurrently with their secondary school studies.

Inclusivity: Expand educational access to all 22 pilot schools within the Phetchaburi provincial area.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in bridging the gap between secondary and higher education. By integrating STOU’s “Certificate Program” into the high school experience, the project aims to enhance both Hard Skills and Soft Skills for Thai youth, fostering educational equality and sustainable development for the next generation.

On 11 December 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) is advancing the lifelong learning strategy by joining forces with the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University, and Khao Yai Happiness Co., Ltd. The parties have signed
a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for academic cooperation to integrate knowledge, elevate research standards, and develop personnel potential for practical implementation in the Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. The agreement was signed by:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, Asst. Prof. Dr. Pannraphat Takolpuckdee, Vice President Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University (VRU), Miss Rochana Tangkoonboribun, Deputy Governor for Strategy and Innovation Management, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), Ms. Paipanee Techanarong, Chairwoman of  Khao Yai Happiness Co., Ltd.

This collaboration will lead to various initiatives, such as the upgrading of high-quality organic fertilizers derived from agricultural waste, academic outreach projects for elderly healthcare, and the promotion of agro-tourism. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aim to strengthen the country’s grassroots economy.

On 8 December 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with
the Ministry of Public Health. The MOU Signing Ceremony was held at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health.

The MOU was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, and Dr. Somlerk Jeungsmarn, Director General of the Ministry. Among the ceremony witnesses from two institutions were Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Sansern Namprom, Director of the Human Resources Management Division of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Warangkana Chankong, Dean of the School of Health Science and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanjana Srisawad, Dean of the School of Nursing.

Key Provisions of the MOU:

• Personnel Development: To promote and support the professional development of Ministry of Public Health personnel nationwide.
• Academic and Research Initiatives: To organize academic projects, knowledge enhancement programs, research, and
  the exchange of expertise with the public.
• Educational Support: The Ministry of Public Health will cooperate in the STOU’s course management by providing necessary facilities and equipment.
• Expert Support: To provide personnel to serve as guest speakers for skill-building workshops and training, or as adjunct professors for the development of instructional materials, media, and distance learning systems.

On  15 December 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Thai CPA Firms Association (ThaiCPA) The MOU Signing Ceremony was held at STOU Library & Knowledge Center.

The ceremony was presided over by by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, who signed on behalf STOU, while Dr. Kanoksak Sookwattanasinit, President of ThaiCPA, represented the association. The event was witnessed by key figures from both institutions.

The MOU focuses on prioritizing the development of professional auditing knowledge for members and networks, aiming to achieve tangible outcomes in the following key areas:

• Provision of Academic Services: Offering short-term professional auditing courses designed for students, practitioners, and the general public.
• Curriculum Development and Improvement: Collaborating on the design or enhancement of educational programs in auditing, as well as other joint activities and projects of mutual interest.
• Academic Promotion and Advancement: Strengthening professional expertise through various initiatives, including seminars, knowledge exchanges, joint research, and co-developed curricula.
• Joint Certification and Professional Branding: Facilitating the issuance of joint certificates to enhance the professional profile and image of student and trainees across various programs.