On 18 December 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs, delivered donated items to Pranangklao Hospital. Representatives from the Forensic Medicine Unit accepted the donation for distribution to other departments.
The donated items included cloth and paper bags for patients to carry medicine home, as well as hair-styling tools, wigs, cosmetics, and skincare products to be used for the mortuary makeup. This activity is part of the “World University Rankings Awareness: Green University” project. The project aims to promote the concept of resource efficiency and sustainable waste management.
12 December 2025 – Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Mr. Supoj Srathongpoon, Head of Network and Local Community Coordination at the STOU Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Lampang, officially delivered 12 boxes of plastic bottle caps and cups to the Green Road Project in Lamphun. The donation was received by project representatives to be utilized under the Khaya Laek Bun (Trash for Merit) initiative.
This contribution is a key activity under the project to raise awareness for Entering World University Rankings: Green University, an initiative driven by the STOU Department of International Affairs. The project focuses on:
Promoting sustainable waste management through systematic sorting and correct recycling practices.
Adding value to waste by transforming reclaimed materials into useful products.
Cultivating social and environmental responsibility among staff, students, and the community.
Transforming Waste into Public Infrastructure
During the visit, the STOU delegation toured Green Road’s operations to observe the recycling process. The facility transforms plastic waste—including “crinkly” plastic bags (multi-layer plastic)—into durable paving blocks, “Green Roads,” tables, and chairs. These recycled products are subsequently donated to schools, temples, national parks, and public spaces nationwide, serving as a model for efficient resource management and circular economy principles.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University extends its sincere gratitude to its personnel, students, alumni, and the general public for their active participation in the university’s environmental missions. These collective efforts are vital steps in STOU’s journey toward long-term sustainability and a greener society.
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.
On 1 December 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with radio-television broadcasting professional federation (RTBPF). The MOU Signing Ceremony was held at STOU Headquarter in Nonthaburi.
The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, who signed on behalf of STOU, while Ms. Anchanok Khaengraeng, Committee Member and Secretary-General represented RTBPF. The event was witnessed by key figures from both institutions, including Mr. Khemmatat Paladeth, President of RTBPF.
This academic partnership aims to foster a strong connection between the academic and professional sectors, focusing on four key areas of cooperation, i.e., resource sharing, training and study visits, academic collaboration, and social and national contributions.
On 27 November 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) met with Thailand Cyber University (TCU) to forge a strategic academic partnership. This collaboration aims to transform STOU into a fully digital university under the vision “STOU for All,” leveraging the Thai MOOC platform to promote lifelong learning across Thailand.
Key Highlights of the Collaboration:
Digital Ecosystem: Integration with Thai MOOC’s national platform, featuring secure identity verification via THAID and systems for Credit Banks, E-Portfolios, and E-Testing.
Skill Development: A focus on Upskilling, Reskilling, and New Skilling to meet the demands of the AI era across all 12 of STOU’s major disciplines.
Flexible Assessment: Utilizing STOU’s 12 regional centers to provide Walk-in Exams (computer-based testing), allowing students to prove their competency at their own convenience.
Proven Track Record: STOU has already launched 72 courses on Thai MOOC across 9 categories, reaching over 90,000 learners.
This partnership reinforces STOU’s leadership in distance education, ensuring that high-quality, modern curricula remain accessible to all citizens in the digital age.
The Graduate Studies Office of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the 15th STOU National Research Conference on 25 November 2025. Held in a virtual format via Microsoft Teams and broadcast via Facebook Live, the event served as a major platform for graduate students, faculty, and researchers to disseminate their scholarly work to the public.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thaweewat Wattanakulcharoen, President of STOU, presided over the opening ceremony. A key highlight was the presentation of certificates for Outstanding and Highly Commended Thesis Awards for 2025, honoring a total of 26 exceptional research projects.
The conference featured a keynote session titled “Emerging Technologies in a Transitioning World: Towards Ethical Sustainability,” delivered by two distinguished experts:
Associate Professor Dr. Thanachart Numnonda, Director of the IMC Institute.
Professor Dr. Panita Wannapiroon, Head of Information and Communication Technology for Education, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.
Held annually, the STOU National Research Conference aims to tangibly elevate the quality of national education and research. It plays a crucial role in the academic journey of graduate students, particularly those in Master’s Degree (Plan A) programs, as presenting at this forum fulfills a vital requirement for graduation.
The conference serves several strategic functions:
Public Dissemination: Providing a stage for scholars nationwide to publish and present beneficial findings.
Multidisciplinary Coverage: Spanning Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, and Health Sciences.
Knowledge Exchange: Encouraging academic debate and sharing advancements to build strong professional networks.
A total of 121 research projects passed the rigorous evaluation process, resulting in 116 articles presented across three main clusters:
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) has reinforced its commitment to digital inclusivity by collaborating with Microsoft to host the “AI for Social Impact” forum as part of the “STOU for All” initiative.
On 21 November 2025, at the Phitayaphat Building, STOU, the university’s executive team, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thaweewat Wattanakulcharoen (President), Asst. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri (Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Networking and Special Affairs), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamolrat Intaratat (Director of the Research Center of Communication and Development Knowledge Management: CCDKM) presided over the opening ceremony.
The event featured key representatives from leading digital and international organizations, including:
Ms. Supahrat Juramongkol, AI Skilling Lead at Microsoft (Thailand)
Dr. Sithorn Kulradathorn, Acting Director of Policy and Strategy at the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA)
Mr. Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, Director at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
The forum included expert sessions from Mr. Thanathip Damthip and Asst. Prof. Dr Pimprapa Phanphai (Acting Assistant to the President), who presented the “STOU for All” framework to representatives from the social sector.
Throughout the day, over 400 participants engaged in hands-on learning with Microsoft Copilot, exploring how to design social projects and innovations using AI. The event highlighted a shared goal of preparing the social sector workforce to be 80% AI-Ready, ensuring that digital technology is accessible to all.
