By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 14: Shirley Roy, originally from Manipur, has been reappointed as a Representative of the Indian Embassy in Thailand for North East India.
This honor reflects her ongoing efforts to support both North East Indian visitors and expats living in Thailand, as well as her commitment to building strong ties between North East India and Thailand.
Shirley has resided in Thailand for seven years, currently making her home in Phuket. During this time, she has become an invaluable resource for the North East Indian community in Thailand, offering support in various capacities.
"I'm truly honored to continue this work," said Shirley.
"Living in Thailand for the past seven years has given me experience and understanding that I am eager to share with people from my home region, whether they're visiting or have made Thailand their home," she said.
Contributions to the NE Indian community
Shirley's dedication to serving her community is evident in her various roles and initiatives:
She is co-founder and general secretary of the North East Indian Society (NEIS). Through this organization, Shirley has been instrumental in creating a support network for North East Indians in Thailand.
Education Advocate: Shirley recently helped organise an event for educators in Bangkok, attracting over 100 attendees, including leaders from the Thai Ministry of Education. The event focused on collaboration between Thai and North East Indian educators, providing a forum for sharing experiences and advice.
Panelist and speaker: At the education event, Shirley served as a panelist, offering valuable insights on opportunities for North East Indian women seeking teaching positions in Thailand. She also discussed the potential impact of AI in education, presenting an optimistic vision of how AI could enhance teacher effectiveness by reducing administrative burdens.
Emergency support: Shirley has proven to be a crucial resource in times of crisis. She has coordinated with the Embassy to secure emergency passports within 24 hours for two Manipuri women whose passports were stolen.
She has provided comfort and coordinated support for a university student from Meghalaya who faced a life-threatening medical emergency.
A bridge between cultures
Shirley's reappointment highlights not only her personal achievements but also the growing importance of North East India in India-Thailand relations.
Her role as a cultural bridge has been recognised by distinguished guests, including the Council Secretariat from the Thai Ministry of Education and the Indian Ambassador to Thailand. "If you're from North East India and visiting or living in Thailand, please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance," Shirley said, adding her role is to serve as a resource and support system for the community in Thailand.