Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University

From Researching Virtual Initiatives in Education

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University is the national Open University of Thailand - sometimes referred to as the Thai Open University.

Its web site is http://www.stou.ac.th

Mission

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, in response to individual and societal needs, holds to the principle of lifelong education and aims to develop the quality of life of people, generally by increasing the level of knowledge of working people and expanding the educational opportunities for secondary-school graduates. This is accomplished by establishing a distance education system which employs correspondence media, radio broadcasts, television, and other methods that enable students to study on their own without having to enter an actual classroom.

Objectives

1. To provide educational programs and promote high-level academic and professional courses in order that the people have the chance to increase their level of knowledge in accordance with individual and societal needs.
2. To engage in research for the advancement of knowledge and for the country's development.
3. To render public service by disseminating knowledge in order to improve the quality of life of the people in general.
4. To preserve the culture and promote the development of positive attitudes in order to maintain the identity of the Thai nation.

History

The University was officially established by Royal Charter on 5 September 1978, under the name of "Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University". The University has thus designated 5 September of each year as the commemorative date of the University's founding. As the eleventh state university, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University has all the honors and privileges of other universities. It was the first open university in Southeast Asia to use a distance teaching/learning system.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University was established as a state university in order to provide the people with increased educational opportunities at university level. It is an open university, which uses a distance teaching system.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX, bestowed the name "Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University" in honor of King Rama VII, one of whose titles before his accession to the throne was "Prince Sukhothai Thammaraja".

During 1979-1984, STOU had no home of its own, so it had to share space with such agencies as the National Education Commission, Thai Airways, the Faculty of Economics of Chulalongkorn University, and the Ministry of University Affairs. In 1981 Mr. Mongkol Kanjanapas donated to the University a 130 rai section of land located in Tambon Bangpood, Amphur Pakkred, Nonthaburi. As this was not enough to fulfill the objectives of the University, it bought more land, which made the total area approximately 135 rai. Construction of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University begon in 1982, and on 16 March 1983, Her Royal Highness, Princess Galyani Wattana graciously consented to preside over the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony.

> Thailand
> Programmes