On 5 September 2013, STOU held a celebration marking the 35th anniversary of its founding. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somchin Suntavarak, Distinguished Member of the University Council, presided over the ceremony, which also featured the awarding of STOU Plaques of Honor to certain individuals who have made valuable contributions to the work of the university. The event was attended by university administrators and personnel and representatives from international organizations, governmental agencies and the private sector. Some honored guests included H.E. Mr. Jeon Jae Man, Korean Ambassador to Thailand, Dr. Lee Ji Eun, Senior Researcher at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Shigeki Kobayashi, Counselor at the Embassy of Japan, and his wife, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ninnat Olanvoravuth, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning, and Dr. Somsok Teerapijit, Secretary-General of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand.