Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic cooperation. This partnership aims to create professional pathways for personnel and students in the hotel and tourism industry, offering opportunities for theoretical learning combined with practical experience. It also allows for credit accumulation that can be transferred towards an STOU bachelor’s degree.
The signing ceremony took place on 5 June 2025, at the Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel in Chonburi province. The MOU was signed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, University Council Member and Acting President of STOU, and Ms. Chavanate Thangsumphant, Managing Director of Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel. Executives from both organizations were present to co-sign and witness the event.
This collaboration is designed to sustainably address the ongoing shortage of personnel in the hotel industry. Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel, which established the Amtel Institute of Hotel and Tourism to develop the professional skills of high school, Vocational Certificate, and Higher Vocational Certificate graduates, has now elevated its cooperation with STOU
to bolster academic strength.
Under this agreement, hotel staff and Amtel Institute students will have the opportunity to enroll in STOU’s Certificate of Achievement Program. This flexible learning model allows individuals to study at their own pace, balancing their education with work. Credits earned can be transferred for admission into any of STOU’s 12 bachelor’s degree programs, following the university’s curriculum structure. Students will gain theoretical knowledge from STOU’s qualified faculty while simultaneously engaging in practical training and skill-building directly with the hotel.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, stated, “STOU is delighted to leverage its expertise in distance education to expand opportunities for professionals in the service industry. This collaboration is a model for modern education, integrating academic knowledge with real-world experience at a leading establishment.”
Ms. Chavanate Thangsumphant, Managing Director of Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel, added, “The hotel has always prioritized human resource development. This partnership with STOU will significantly enhance the potential of our staff and Amtel Institute students, ensuring they are highly prepared. It also creates a clear career progression path and supplies quality personnel to Thailand’s tourism industry.”
Both parties also plan to develop short-term (non-degree) courses in the future to promote lifelong learning and develop specialized skills essential for the industry. On the occasion of this signing, STOU also provided the hotel with a “Samritibat Corner” to serve as a resource for information and education for the hotel’s staff and students.
