On 13 November 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, appeared on the program
“NBT Mee Kam Tob” (NBT Has the Answer) on the NBT 2HD channel. During the broadcast, he reaffirmed STOU’s standing as
“the university of learning opportunities for everyone.” He emphasized the university’s core mission to provide education for all; everyone can learn no matter who you are.
On 12 November 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, accompanied by Asst. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri, Asst. Prof. Satawat Doungpan,
Asst. Prof. Dr. Pavin Chinachoti, Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, and Dr. Tanapond Swanpitak, met with Mr. Auttapol Rerkpiboon, Minister of Energy, and the Ministry’s Executive Members.
The objective of this meeting was to strengthen the relationship between the institutions. The discussion focused on strategic collaboration and policy directions, specifically regarding the development of STOU’s academic curricula to meet the needs of learners interested in natural resources and the environment. Furthermore, the partnership aims to produce high-caliber graduates equipped to be “Environmental Communicators of the Future,” while simultaneously enhancing skills and potential in natural resource and environmental conservation.
On 4 November 2025, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony of the Chiang Mai Public Library (CNX Library). On this occasion, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, presented a report on the operations of the “STOU Special Educational Service Corner”
Chiang Mai.
Recognizing the importance of promoting lifelong learning, the University has established these special service corners at provincial public libraries nationwide, with 94 locations currently in operation.
The President was accompanied by Asst. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri, Vice-President for Academic Services, Networking and Special Affairs, Asst. Prof. Dr. Khajornsak Sitthi, Director of the Office of Educational Services; and Mr. Banjong Somsri, Director of the STOU Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Lampang.
On 10 November 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), together with the STOU Administrators met Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issara Sereewatthanawut, Secretary-General of King Prajadhipok’s Institute.
The objectives of the discussion were as follows:
This discussion underscores the commitment of both institutions to collaborative knowledge development and the cultivation of high-quality personnel. In particular, it aims to provide opportunities for young researchers to gain practical experience, paving the way for them to become professional researchers in the future.
On 5 November 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University held the Loy Krathong festival 2025, which aims to simply and respectfully carry on the beautiful Thai traditions and customs, in heartfelt tribute and mourning for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit
The Queen Mother. The event was attended by university administrators, staff from various departments, and members of the general public.
On 28 October 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) delivered the donated medicine, clothes, shoes, and bags to the representative of Thai Volunteer Service (TVS).
These donated items will be used in the TVS project to promote a just and equitable society, such as:
On 31 October 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Saowanee Chinnalong,Faculty Member of the School of Communication Arts delivered the donated items such as medicine, clothes, shoes, underpads and children’s item
to Umphang Hospital.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) successfully hosted the 27th OU5 Bi-Annual Summit at the Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand, from 28–30 October 2025. The summit followed a dynamic week of research collaboration and academic exchange among Asia’s five leading open universities.
The event brought together leaders and researchers from the OU5, including Universitas Terbuka (UT), Hanoi Open University (HOU), University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Open University Malaysia (OUM), and the host institution, STOU.
The distinguished leader delivered remarks included;
The summit officially opened on 28 October with welcoming remarks by Asst. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU. This was followed by a ceremonial exchange of gifts among the five OU5 leaders. Key highlights of the first day included presentations of the 2025 joint research project results, in-depth research meetings, and the OU5 Presidents’ Meeting.
The second day featured intensive collaboration and several significant announcements. A special recognition session was held to extend heartfelt congratulations to Yang Berbahagia Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang on the occasion of his conferment of a Dato’ship by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang. The President of STOU presented a comprehensive summary of
the Presidents’ Meeting, while five OU5 research groups delivered progress reports on their ongoing collaborative projects.
The summit also officially announced that the 28th OU5 Meeting will be hosted by Hanoi Open University in Vietnam.
The day concluded with the official closing ceremony led by the President of STOU.
On the final day, executives and researchers from the five OU5 universities, together with STOU executives and staff, paid
a visit to Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Phuket Campus. They received a warm welcome led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. PunThongchumnum, Vice President of the Phuket Campus. Highlights included a special lecture on “Phuket Tourism”
by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayanan Puangcharoen, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, who provided valuable insights into Phuket’s key economic sector. Participants also toured “PSU Airlines,”
the university’s aviation learning center.
The 27th OU5 Bi-Annual Summit reinforced strong academic partnerships and reaffirmed the OU5 universities’ commitment to advancing collaborative research and innovation in open and distance education across the region.
On 23 October 2025, The alumni club and student club of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) from Pathum Thani, Bangkok, and Nonthaburi – have joined forces to organize a volunteer activity under the project “Volunteer for Good Society” to develop and improve the landscape of Pathum Thani Public Library.
Led by Mr. Tamphong Wongchan,Acting Director of Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nonthaburi along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sita Yiemkuntitavorn, Faculty Member of School of Educational Studies who serves as
the advisor to the STOU Nonthaburi Student Club, they brought alumni and students from all three provinces, around 37 people to maintenance and improvement of an area” at the Pathum Thani Provincial Public Library.
Activities focused on work that concretely benefits public welfare and community health. The volunteer team worked together to clear drainage pipes, improve drainage channels and access routes, as well as clean the surrounding areas.
On 20 October 2025,Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) Donates Drinking Water to Flood Victims in Pakkret.
STOU has expressed its concern for the victims of the flooding situation in Pakkret, Nonthaburi. STOU donated drinking water to help alleviate the suffering of the affected residents.
STOU, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pavin Chinachoti, Acting Vice-President for General Administration and Human Resources, presented 500 dozen (a total of 6,000 bottles) of drinking water to the Pakkret City Municipality. Wichai Bandasak, Mayor of Pakkret Municipality, received the donation, which will subsequently be distributed to residents severely affected in the riverside communities.
On 3 October 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) led by Acting Lt. Dr. Nikom Leamjui, Director of Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Sukhothai delivered 5 boxes of donated drugs to Dean of
the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University (NU) to be distributed in PharmaSea Project of the Faculty.
In this occasion, the STOU team also visited the Pharmacy Faculty’s storage room at Naresuan University and listened to
the systematic process presentation of sorting and managing medicine before transferring it to hospitals facing medicine shortages. This handover of medicine is part of raising awareness project, “Towards World University Rankings: Green University.” The project aims to promote sustainable waste management, from proper sorting and recycling to creating value through reuse, while instilling a sense of social and environmental responsibility at all levels.
