A new generation of Thai professionals is navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, largely viewing it as a potent tool to augment their skills rather than a complete substitute for human capabilities. While AI’s potential is undeniable, many believe it still falls short in capturing the nuances of human experience and generating emotionally resonant work.
AI: A Complementary Force
Across various fields, from graphic design to international relations, emerging professionals are integrating AI into their workflows. The consensus is that AI serves best as an assistant, enhancing efficiency and output without supplanting the core human element of their professions.
Junjaras Na Ranong, a 21-year-old graphic designer, shared, “I mostly use it as a tool, usually within design apps. I don’t use AI to generate entire artworks. In this field, everyone still wants art to be human-made.” This sentiment is echoed by portrait painter Nichapha Aittidetdumrong, 21, who exclusively relies on traditional methods and diverse references, eschewing AI entirely from her artistic process.
Navigating the Political Sphere with AI
For Chananan Karnjanaaree, a 21-year-old international relations student, AI offers value in specific analytical tasks. “I use it as a tool for point evaluation, which is quite similar to the real scoring,” she explained. However, she noted a critical limitation: “But the overall AI-generated task still doesn’t serve political logic, because politics requires reasoning and criticism in specific ways. So, replacing human labour with AI does not fit the political field yet.”
Employment Implications and AI Literacy
Concerns regarding AI literacy and the potential for misuse are prevalent among young Thais entering the workforce. While acknowledging AI’s societal benefits and the rapid pace of its adoption by companies, many foresee potential harms, even with careful application. The question of how AI will reshape job opportunities is a significant one for these soon-to-be first-jobbers.
Ms. Chananan emphasized the enduring human advantage: “No matter how advanced AI becomes, humans are still better at emotion and feeling.” She further elaborated on the complexities of diplomatic roles, stating, “A diplomatic job requires observing people. AI can’t detect actions or predict which country will benefit most from negotiations. Human analysis is still superior in real situations. Sharing a meal or negotiating with a country’s leader must still be done by humans.”
Healthcare and the Human Touch
Nursing student Chonticha Khunkrai, 22, remains optimistic about her career prospects, asserting, “There is no AI displacement effect in this field because we must care for patients’ bodies, minds and emotions.” While reports indicate a global trend of AI integration in healthcare, Ms. Khunkrai expressed a concern that AI assistants might inadvertently increase nurses’ workloads, requiring them to manage technology alongside direct patient care.
She added that medical practice necessitates continuous learning and adaptation. “If hospitals use AI, I hope salaries will remain stable or even increase,” she stated, highlighting the importance of fair compensation in an AI-influenced environment.
Language and Education: The Unreplicable Human Element
In the language sector, students believe AI still lacks the crucial human qualities necessary for effective translation and teaching. Sakunkan Yodpaka, 21, a Chinese language student, observed, “The translated results from AI might trigger sensitive or historical issues. Humans are still better translators because they bring emotion and real-world knowledge.”
Suphasin Khwansathaphonkun, 21, aspiring to be an English teacher, articulated a deep-seated desire to impact students’ lives personally. “I want to be a teacher to improve students’ lives — mentally, educationally and personally. I recently spoke with a student with autism about their struggles, and I believe AI cannot truly understand mental disorders, backgrounds or human feelings.”
Engineering and Industry Adaptations
Kankavee Buama, 21, an industrial physics student, acknowledged the growing ubiquity of AI in professional settings. “We cannot deny that AI use has become normalized, and companies definitely want to hire humans who can use AI,” he said. However, he stressed the continued need for human engineers and scientists, as AI is not yet equipped to manage entire industrial operations, particularly in environments with rapidly changing policies and regulations.
Thailand’s AI Adoption Rate
Recent insights suggest Thailand is at the forefront of AI adoption. Dhanawat Suthumpun, managing director of Microsoft for Thailand and developing markets, indicated that the nation is embracing AI at an accelerated pace. He reported a white-collar worker adoption rate of 32% in Thailand, which is double the global average of 16%.
The Human Edge in an AI World
The rapid advancement of AI presents undeniable challenges for new entrants to the workforce. However, a clear strategy for survival is emerging: upskilling and preserving a distinct human signature in their work. To thrive alongside artificial intelligence, these individuals are focusing on becoming ‘intelligent humans,’ continuously refining their skills, much like developers enhance AI.
Ms. Nichapha offered a concluding piece of advice for aspiring professionals: “To gain opportunities as a first-jobber, you must also maintain the human touch in your work.”
