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STOU Joins 13 Higher Education Institutions, NHCO, and ThaiHealth to Establish the “Urban Health Academic Center”
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.
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STOU Joins Celebrations to Offer Royal Blessings and Pledge Allegiance on H.M. The King’s Birthday
BANGKOK, 28 July 2026 — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led executive members to present a flower vase in front of the royal portrait of His Majesty the King and sign the book of congratulations on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s Birthday Anniversary, 28 July 2026.
The ceremony took place at Sahathai Samakom Pavilion in the Grand Palace, demonstrating the university’s profound loyalty and deep gratitude toward His Majesty’s infinite benevolence. On the same occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Pavin Chinachoti, Vice-President for General Administration and Human Resources, alongside Asst. Prof. Satawat Doungpan, Vice-President for Physical and Environmental Affairs, led the STOU delegation to participatein the Oath-Taking Ceremony to be Good Civil Servants and the Force of the Nation. The ceremony was held at the main stage at Sanam Luang, presided over by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul.
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STOU Hosts Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent Event 2026 Under “Saplings of Dhamma” Sustainable Theme
NONTHABURI, 24 July 2026 — Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized a cultural preservation and Buddhist merit-making event for Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent Day 2026. Held under the concept “Saplings of Dhamma: Guiding the Way to a Sustainable Green Path,” the initiative seamlessly blended Buddhist traditions and cultural heritage with environmental conservation.
The event took place at Parichat Court within the university campus, presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU. Key highlights of the event included:
- Traditional Merit-Making: University staff and the public joined in offering dried food and rice to 9 Buddhist monks, followed by religious ceremonies, the offering of Lent candles, and bathing robes.
- Eco-Friendly Candlelight Procession: Participants engaged in the Wian Thien (circumambulation ceremony) around the university’s shrine building using air-purifying plant saplings instead of traditional incense and flowers. The saplings were then taken home by participants to plant, expanding local green space.
- Cultural Celebration: Attendees wore contemporary and regional Thai traditional attire, adding vibrant cultural identity to the eco-conscious celebration.
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Moroccan Cultural Week and the National Day of the Kingdom of Morocco
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) executives—led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President; Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology, and International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs; and Mrs. Rattip Phukkesorn, Head of Internationalization—participated in a series of events hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Thailand.
22 July 2026 | Opening Ceremony of “Cultural Week of Morocco”
The delegation attended the grand opening at Emsphere Shopping Mall. Organized by the Embassy of Morocco in Thailand in collaboration with the Regional Craft Councils of Casablanca-Settat and Marrakech-Safi, the event ran from July 22–28, 2026, aimed at showcasing and promoting Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.
23 July 2026 | Moroccan Fashion Show
STOU executives attended one of the week’s major highlights at Column Bangkok Hotel. The show presented a collection that seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, highlighting the traditional “Moroccan Caftan”—officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2025.
30 July 2026 | National Day Reception
The executive team joined the celebration of the 27th Anniversary of the Throne Day of His Majesty the King of Morocco, held at the Park Hyatt Bangkok Hotel.
These invitations reflect the strong and enduring bond between STOU and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Thailand, paving the way for further fruitful academic collaborations in the future.
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Digital Skills Workshop for Students with Disabilities to Boost Academic Success
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) continues its commitment to educational equality by hosting a workshop aimed at elevating the digital skills of students with disabilities. The initiative is designed to empower them to succeed in Study Plan A2—an undergraduate study track with a 40% continuous assessment component.
On 15 July 2026, the Office of Educational Services at STOU, through its Support Services for Students with Disabilities unit, launched a workshop titled “Enhancing Academic Potential and Learning Development Through Technology for Plan A2.” Held at Computer Lab 5 in the Chalermprakiat Building, the event aims to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive education.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kajornsak Sitti, Director of the Office of Educational Services. The workshop welcomed over 30 participants, including students with disabilities and their caregivers. Attendees learned to navigate the essential online learning systems required for “Plan A2″—a highly popular undergraduate track where 40% of the final grade is derived from active participation in the university’s online tutorial sessions.
Key training modules led by experts from the Office of Educational Technology and the Educational Services Office included:
- An introduction to the Plan A2 academic structure.
- Mastering online learning tools and navigating Microsoft Teams.
- Accessing digital educational media to maximize study efficiency.
- Submitting assignments and coursework through the university’s e-Learning platform.
This workshop not only equips students with crucial online learning capabilities to enhance their graduation prospects but also reinforces STOU’s core mission of delivering accessible education for all. Currently, STOU is home to more than 500 students with disabilities, with 20 to 30 individuals graduating each year. This milestone reflects the university’s unwavering vision as a distance-learning open university transitioning into a digital institution dedicated to lifelong learning for everyone.
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STOU Executives attend ASAIHL Conference 2026 in Malaysia
From 3 – 6 July 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Haruthai Panyavuttrakul, Dean of the School of Communication Arts, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Pathanin Sangaroon, Director of the Office of Documentation and Information, attended The ASAIHL Conference 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Held under the theme “Bridging Borders and Building Futures: Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation in Asia,” the conference aimed to foster strategic partnerships, drive policy development, and build networks among higher education institutions, government agencies, and industries across Asia.
The event featured a blend of policy forums, keynote executive lectures, academic presentations, and networking sessions. The discussions centered on leveraging digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance lifelong learning, elevate higher education quality, and promote sustainable human resource development in the region. The core sub-themes included:
- Lifelong Learning for Inclusive & Sustainable Development
- Digital Transformation & Innovation Education
- Industry-Academia-Government Partnerships in Upskilling and Reskilling
- Community Empowerment through Lifelong Learning
- Policy, Leadership, and Governance in Lifelong Learning
- Lifelong Learning and the Future of Work in Asia
The ASAIHL Conference is held twice a year, serving as a global platform for member institutions to strengthen ties, exchange knowledge and experiences in teaching and research, and provide scholars and faculty members with opportunities to present their academic work at an international level.
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STOU Partners with Institute of Community Colleges to Expand Educational Opportunities and Drive Sustainable Community Development
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and the Institute of Community Colleges (ICC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic and educational management cooperation. The partnership aims to build an educational network, align curricula, and provide community college graduates with direct pathways to pursue bachelor’s degrees. By pooling resources and expertise, both institutions seek to elevate educational quality and foster sustainable community development.
On Monday, 29 June 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, and Mr. Charoenchai Wongjinda, Director of the Institute of Community Colleges, co-siged the agreement at the Library and Learning Center Building, STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi. Executives and staff from both organizations witnessed the ceremony.
The core mission of this 5-year agreement is to synergize educational capabilities and resources to develop Thailand’s human resources, address local needs, and support sustainable economic and social growth. The collaboration focuses on equipping citizens with actionable skills to improve their careers and quality of life through several initiatives:
- Curriculum Alignment & Degree Pathways: Developing certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and training programs tailored to student and community needs. Crucially, ICC graduates will be eligible to seamlessly transition into STOU’s bachelor’s degree programs, creating a continuous learning pathway from associate to higher degrees.
- Resource Sharing: Sharing personnel, academic insights, facilities, and technology to maximize benefits for students and local communities.
- Student Support & Outreach: Cooperating on educational counseling, public relations, and student recruitment.
- Community Engagement: Promoting academic and professional services, local wisdom, arts and culture, and digital learning innovations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, emphasized that as an open university utilizing a distance education system, STOU is dedicated to expanding higher education access and promoting lifelong learning. This aligns perfectly with the ICC’s mission to strengthen local communities.
“This collaboration is a major milestone in connecting and developing our curricula, exchanging knowledge and educational innovations, and co-executing academic service projects that directly address the needs of local economies and regional communities,” Dr. Thaweewat stated.
The partnership between STOU and the Institute of Community Colleges marks a significant step forward in reducing educational barriers. By creating a flexible, interconnected, and accessible learning pathway, both institutions ensure that citizens across all regions can access higher education equitably and sustainably. A joint working committee will be established to coordinate, drive, monitor, and evaluate the progress of the projects under this agreement to ensure all shared goals are met.
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Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin Elected as President of the Thai Library Association
BANGKOK — On 27 June 2026, the newly appointed Executive Committee of the Thai Library Association under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn held its first official meeting for the 2026–2027 term.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to select the Association’s President and executive officers to lead the 41st Executive Committee over the next two years. In a unanimous decision, the committee elected Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin as the new President of the Thai Library Association.
About Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin
Professor Emeritus Dr. Namtip Wipawin is currently a faculty member in the School of Liberal Arts at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). She is a prominent figure in the fields of Library and Information Science, specializing in knowledge management and digital information innovation. With a continuous and proven track record of academic excellence at both national and international levels, Dr. Namtip has long dedicated herself to strengthening and modernizing Thailand’s information professions and academic standards, ensuring they evolve in step with the rapidly changing digital era.
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STOU Showcases Healthcare and Senior-Focused Podcast Research at Thailand Research Expo 2026
On 26 June 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) concluded its successful participation in the Thailand Research Expo 2026, which officially closed today. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), presided over the closing ceremony and presented awards to outstanding research contributors. On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sungworn Ngudgratoke, Director of the Research and Development Institute at STOU, represented the university president to receive a plaque of honor for STOU’s active participation.
The Thailand Research Expo 2026 was held from June 22–26, 2026, on the 22nd floor of the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok. Running under the theme “Research Synergy: Driving Power for a Creative and Sustainable Thai Economy and Society,” the opening ceremony on June 22 was presided over by Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).
The five-day expo featured cutting-edge research exhibitions and over 100 academic seminars covering economic, social, technological, health, and environmental dimensions. The event served as a major national platform connecting knowledge and innovation with real-world applications while strengthening sustainable development networks.
STOU’s Featured Innovations
This year, STOU prominently presented two outstanding research projects tailored to modern societal needs:
- Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention: A project titled “The Effects of a Program to Enhance the Screening and Health Communication Capabilities of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease,” led by Assoc. Prof. Maj. Dr. Napaphen Jantacumma and Asst. Prof. Dr. Songpon Phadungphattanakul.
This research was presented in an oral presentation session on June 22. - Educational Podcasts for Seniors: An innovative project titled “Acoustic Innovation for Happiness: Enhancing Distance Learning Opportunities for the Elderly (Podcast),” led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phisit Nadprasert and his team. This initiative reinforces STOU’s leadership in distance education by utilizing modern, accessible podcast formats. The media aims to eliminate learning barriers and foster lifelong learning opportunities for older adults. The project was on public display at Exhibition Booth DL18 throughout the event.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention: A project titled “The Effects of a Program to Enhance the Screening and Health Communication Capabilities of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease,” led by Assoc. Prof. Maj. Dr. Napaphen Jantacumma and Asst. Prof. Dr. Songpon Phadungphattanakul.