Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU; Thai: มหาวิทยาลัยสุโขทัยธรรมาธิราช, RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Sukhothai Thammathirat; Sukhothai Thammathirat University) is the only open university in Thailand. The campus is located in Muang Thong Thani.
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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.
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 (LL.B., Second class honour)
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Princess of Thailand (B.Pol.Sc., First class honour)