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Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU)
มหาวิทยาลัยสุโขทัยธรรมาธิราช

Type	Public, open university
Established	1978
President	Prof. Dr. Prasart Suebka [th] (Acting)^[1]
Undergraduates	169,798
Postgraduates	3,186
Location	Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi , Thailand 13°54′37″N 100°32′12″E / 13.91028°N 100.53667°E / 13.91028; 100.53667
Colours	Green - gold
Affiliations	ASAIHL,AAOU
Website	www.stou.ac.th

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University or STOU (Thai: มหาวิทยาลัยสุโขทัยธรรมาธิราช, RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Sukhothai Thammathirat; Sukhothai Thammathirat University) is the only open university in Thailand.

History

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University was officially established by royal charter on 5 September 1978 as Thailand's eleventh state university to provide the people with increased education opportunities. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX), bestowed the name "Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University" in the honor of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), one of whose titles before his accession to the throne was "Prince Sukhothai Thammaracha" or "Prince of Sukhothai". It was the first open university in Southeast Asia to use a distance teaching/learning system.^[2]

STOU received its first academic class on 1 December 1980, beginning with three schools of study: educational studies, liberal arts, and management science. From 1979 to 1984, STOU shared space with other state agencies and universities. In 1981, the university acquired its current property in Pak Kret District of Nonthaburi Province, and began operating from the new location on 9 December 1984. Today the university has 12 schools of study with undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.

Schools

School of Law
School of Communication Arts
School of Human Ecology
School of Political Science
School of Management Science
School of Health Sciences
School of Liberal Arts
School of Education
School of Economics
School of Agriculture and Cooperatives
School of Science and technology
School of Nursing

Notable alumni

King Vajiralongkorn, King of Thailand

References

External links

Universities and colleges in Thailand

Public

University	Kalasin University Mahasarakham University Nakhon Phanom University Naresuan University Princess of Naradhiwas University Ramkhamhaeng University Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Thailand National Sports University Ubon Ratchathani University
Rajabhat Universities	Chandrakasem Rajabhat University Chiang Mai Rajabhat University Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University Phuket Rajabhat University Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University Songkhla Rajabhat University Udon Thani Rajabhat University Uttaradit Rajabhat University
Rajamangala University of Technology	Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi
Institute	Bunditpatanasilpa Institute Pathumwan Institute of Technology Praboromarajchanok Institute
Armed Forces and Police	Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Royal Thai Naval Academy Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy National Defence College of Thailand Phramongkutklao College of Medicine Royal Thai Police Cadet Academy

National

University	Burapha University Chiang Mai University Chulalongkorn University Kasetsart University Khon Kaen University King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi Mae Fah Luang University Maejo University Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Mahamakut Buddhist University Mahidol University Navamindradhiraj University University of Phayao Prince of Songkla University Silpakorn University Srinakharinwirot University Suranaree University of Technology Thaksin University Thammasat University Walailak University
Institute	Chitralada Technology Institute Chulabhorn Graduate Institute King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang National Institute of Development Administration Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Srisavarindhira Thai Red Cross Institute of Nursing
College	HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science

Private

University	Asia-Pacific International University Assumption University Bangkok University Bangkokthonburi University Chaopraya University Dhurakij Pundit University Far Eastern University Fatoni Hatyai Huachiew Chalermprakiet University International Buddhist College Kasem Bundit University Krirk University Lumnamping College Mahanakorn University of Technology Nation University North Chiang Mai University Pathumthani University Payap University Rangsit University Saint John's Group of Schools and University Shinawatra University Siam University Sripatum University Stamford International University Tapee College University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Thonburi University Vongchavalitkul University Webster University Thailand
Institute	Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology
College	Dusit Thani College International Buddhist College Thongsuk College

Other institutions

Collaboration with
foreign institutions

CMKL University
Amata University
Asian Institute of Hospitality Management

Authority control databases

Authority control databases
International	ISNI VIAF
National	Germany United States
Other	IdRef