Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) has joined forces with 13 other higher education institutions, the National Health Commission Office (NHCO), and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) to establish the “Urban Health Academic Center.”
On 5 August 2026, at the Diamond Dome 1 Room, Queensland Hotel, Bangkok, the NHCO, ThaiHealth, and 14 higher education institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Urban Health Academic Center. The initiative aims to elevate the integration of knowledge, research, and innovation regarding urban health, as well as build collaborative mechanisms among academia, civil society, and relevant agencies to drive concrete public health policies. The focus will be on improving health systems and urban well-being through academic networking, human resource development, knowledge dissemination, and supportive mechanisms to tackle future urban challenges.
At the ceremony, Dr. Suthep Petchmark, Secretary-General of the National Health Commission, delivered a keynote address on “Directions and Opportunities in Driving Urban Health through Participatory Public Policy Processes.” Dr. Apichat Rodsom, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), presented the center’s background and objectives, emphasizing tangible collaboration to integrate research and innovation into managing urban healthcare systems.
This partnership unites existing network institutions and seven new members, totaling 16 participating organizations (including the primary host agencies):
- National Health Commission Office (NHCO)
- Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth)
- Chandrakasem Rajabhat University
- Dhonburi Rajabhat University
- Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University
- Phranakhon Rajabhat University
- Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
- Kasem Bundit University
- Burapha University
- Thammasat University
- Mahidol University
- Rajapruk University
- Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
- Huachiew Chalermprakiet University
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- Sripatum University
The event also featured an “Open Mic” session, allowing university executives and representatives to share their vision, set strategic directions, and integrate their institution’s resources, innovations, and mechanisms into action.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, signed the MOU on behalf of the university and reiterated STOU’s commitment to leveraging its key strengths through three core mechanisms: promoting lifelong learning, strengthening academic networks in Nonthaburi province, and using its nationwide educational services and community centers as a foundation to expand knowledge and policy recommendations to local communities. STOU’s involvement underscores its dedication to utilizing academic expertise, research, and community services to enhance urban health systems, improve public quality of life, and foster sustainable urban development.
