On March 19, 2025, Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York, along with officials from the Royal Thai Consulate-General, attended the International Women’s Day 2025 Celebration at the Consulate General of India in New York. The event was organized by the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC) in collaboration with the Consulates General of India and Kazakhstan in New York, aiming to raise awareness of the vital roles, participation, and leadership of women in driving meaningful societal change.

 

     For many years, the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York has proudly hosted this annual event, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women from around the world. This years, the SoFC presented Certificates of Recognition to women representatives from 14 countries across various fields who have made significant contributions to their home countries and communities abroad. Representing Thailand, Associate Professor Pittaya Paladroi-Shane, a Thai language lecturer at the International Study Center, Ohio University, in Athens, Ohio, was honored for her over 20 years of dedication to promoting Thai language and Thai studies in U.S. universities. She was also recognized for hosting the 2024 Thai Studies Conference at Ohio University in November 2024.

 

     On this occasion, Ms. Suchitra Paleewong, President of the Thai Cultural Center of New York and Thailand’s 2024 award recipient joined in congratulating Associate Professor Pittaya on her achievement. The Royal Thai Consulate-General partnered with the SoFC members to contribute to the celebration by supporting the reception for all honorees, featuring Thai cuisine, with Tod Mun Pla (Thai fish cakes), Woon Kati (coconut milk jelly) and Thai iced tea, which were well received by attendees.

 

     The Royal Thai Consulate-General extends its sincere appreciation and congratulations to Associate Professor Pittaya for her vital role in promoting and disseminating knowledge of Thailand through language, performing arts, and cultural traditions to the wider international community. Her dedicated efforts help instill Thai heritage among younger generations of Thai and Thai-American youth while fostering pride and prestige in their motherland.