As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies surge ahead at a blistering pace, it is no longer just software engineers and tech sector insiders who need to worry about their jobs being disrupted—according to leading experts, everyone whose work involves words, data, or ideas must begin preparing to adapt. The urgency of this message comes through powerfully in a recent opinion column in The Washington Post, which warns that the period of “grace” may be much shorter than many professionals realize (Washington Post, 2025).
This new wave of AI innovation is already beginning to displace jobs in coding and content creation—fields once considered safe from automation, the article notes. What makes the current situation different from previous industrial or technological revolutions is the unprecedented pace of development: what an individual thought AI was capable of last year is now hopelessly outdated knowledge. As one cited expert—Wharton School professor—remarked, even if AI stopped improving right now, the world would still face “a decade of major changes across entire professions and industries.” But, crucially, few in the industry believe such a plateau is imminent.
For Thailand, this challenge is especially pressing. The Thai economy leans heavily on service industries, education, tourism, and manufacturing—sectors where digital transformation is accelerating post-pandemic and where AI adoption is rapidly gaining ground (World Economic Forum, 2024). According to recent surveys, a significant majority of Thai professionals outside of tech remain largely unconcerned or underestimate how quickly AI could impact their roles—an attitude now flagged as dangerous complacency.
The article offers a clear-eyed analysis: merely being passively aware of AI is no longer enough. The author suggests every professional needs a metaphorical “AI go bag”—a carefully curated set of skills and strategies to ensure employability as machines take over routine cognitive tasks. For some, such as massage therapists or roles involving direct human touch, minimal preparation may be sufficient. But for anyone whose daily work involves analysis, communication, or information handling—journalists, teachers, lawyers, health workers, accountants—the time for active upskilling and adaptation is now.
At the heart of this preparedness kit is a proactive, experimental approach to mastering AI tools—not just using them casually, but pushing their boundaries and understanding how they might transform a job from within. For example, journalists are warned that AI is now highly capable of churning out written content, competing both for jobs and for readers’ limited attention. The recommendation is to double down on activities machines are still weak at: leveraging in-person sourcing, fostering authentic relationships with audiences, and producing work that requires a distinctively human touch—whether through ethical judgment or emotional connection.
Expert perspectives back this up. In interviews with AI researchers at Chulalongkorn University, specialists echoed the necessity for Thai workers to “lean into the uniquely human aspects of each role” and to continually reevaluate which skills remain AI-proof (Chulalongkorn University AI Center, 2024). Citing recent findings, one researcher warned, “It is not just data processing that is being automated; creative and analytical tasks are increasingly at risk. Thai professionals must learn to work alongside AI and exploit its strengths, rather than compete head-to-head.”
Thailand faces distinct cultural and economic considerations in this AI revolution. The nation’s strong emphasis on face-to-face relationships and mai pen rai (never mind) attitudes can be both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, uniquely Thai cultural competencies—empathy, adaptability, and relationship-building—are difficult for machines to replicate. On the other, if these strengths lead to complacency, the Thai workforce may be caught off guard by rapid market shifts, especially in urban centers with rising automation.
Historically, Thailand has successfully navigated disruptive transitions, from the green revolution in agriculture to the rise of the automotive sector. In each case, those who pivoted early—by learning new technologies or building on traditional strengths—thrived. However, the speed of this latest transformation means that delays in action could have more serious consequences. Regional competitors such as Singapore and Vietnam are investing heavily in digital literacy and AI readiness at the national level (ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025).
Looking to the future, the consensus among experts is clear: AI will not eliminate work entirely, but it will radically restructure how tasks are divided between people and machines. The Thai Ministry of Education has already begun integrating AI training modules into secondary school curricula, aiming to foster digital fluency and problem-solving capabilities from an early age (Thai Ministry of Education, 2024). In the private sector, retraining programs and industry partnerships are being scaled up, but gaps remain, especially for older workers and those in smaller provinces.
For ordinary readers, the actionable advice is both simple and urgent. First, take stock of your current skills and identify which could be complemented—or made obsolete—by AI. Second, invest time each week in experimenting with AI tools relevant to your profession, not just as users but as testers probing for new possibilities. As the Washington Post column suggests, “learning what you can do that machines can’t—even as those boundaries shift—will be the defining career survival skill of the next decade.” Third, build deeper professional relationships and networks, since authentic human connection is likely to remain in demand even as content and analysis become automated. Fourth, remain flexible: expect today’s assumptions about AI’s capabilities to change rapidly, and be prepared to revise your career trajectory when needed.
Finally, remember that AI, deployed wisely, can become a source of personal enrichment and societal progress—not just a threat. The article ends with a reminder to take pleasure in the new opportunities that AI provides, whether learning a new subject, inventing novel solutions, or collaborating in ways previously unimaginable.
For Thailand, this is the time to move beyond curiosity and begin acting with purpose. The AI wave is coming faster than most expect—those prepared to ride it will find opportunities, while those unprepared risk being swept aside.
Sources: Washington Post, 2025, World Economic Forum, 2024, Chulalongkorn University AI Center, 2024, ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, Thai Ministry of Education, 2024