A growing number of computer science students are voicing serious concerns about oversaturation in their field and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their future job prospects, raising questions about the stability and attractiveness of technology careers in Thailand and worldwide. These anxieties, recently highlighted in a February 2025 report by The Technician, reflect a broader unease among students and graduates confronted with rapid technological change and increasing competition in the tech job market (Technician Online).
This rising apprehension is significant for Thai readers because computer science degrees have gained immense popularity among Thai students in recent years, with many hoping to secure well-paying jobs in Thailand’s expanding digital economy. However, both global trends and domestic developments indicate the job market may not be as open as once expected. The dual pressures of increased graduate numbers and the rapid integration of AI tools in industry are leading students to rethink their career strategies and educational pathways.
Latest research and market analyses confirm that the technology job market is undergoing profound transformation. Between 2024 and 2025, the number of computer science graduates in both the US and Asia has surged, leading to what experts call “oversaturation” – more job seekers than available entry-level positions, especially at large tech companies (UECampus). This glut is compounded by advances in generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, which are automating tasks once performed by junior developers, technical support staff, and other roles traditionally staffed by new graduates (Wikipedia).
Concerns about AI-related job loss are not unfounded. According to an analysis by Exploding Topics, 44% of current IT professionals believe AI could threaten their job security within the next decade (Exploding Topics). A 2025 survey by BestColleges found a 17-percentage-point increase that year alone in computer science students worried about securing employment, the largest rise among any field (BestColleges). Faculty members and industry voices echo these sentiments: as the dean of New York Institute of Technology’s College of Engineering and Computing Sciences notes, AI will “automate certain coding tasks, especially repetitive ones like debugging and basic software development,” which previously sustained large numbers of fresh graduates (Newsday).
For Thai students, these developments mirror trends in the local context. Universities and colleges in Thailand have increased seats in computer science and related fields over the past decade, encouraged by government digitalization policies and demand from the private sector. However, some hiring managers note that “the availability of graduates now outpaces demand for entry-level positions,” particularly in software development roles. Mid-sized and large Thai corporations are reported to be exploring AI tools that substitute for tasks previously performed by human employees, further shifting the employment landscape.
In direct response to an uncertain job market, some students are pursuing additional qualifications. There is a notable uptick in “panic master’s degrees,” where graduates extend their studies in hopes that job prospects will improve by the time they complete further education (MSN). At the same time, industry experts caution that simply accumulating degrees may not solve the underlying problems but, rather, urge a pivot toward specialized skills in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and other cutting-edge areas that remain in high demand and less susceptible to automation.
A computer engineering academic explains: “While AI is automating many routine coding and support tasks, there are still significant opportunities in developing, deploying, and maintaining AI systems, cyber defense, and integrating new technologies into established business operations.” In Thailand, adaptation is also occurring at the curriculum level, as institutions seek to embed hands-on AI coursework, ethics, and data literacy into undergraduate programs.
Historically, technological advances have always caused disruption, yet also created entirely new industries and professions. The current AI moment is sometimes compared to the computer revolution of the 1980s or the internet boom of the late 1990s, both of which ultimately yielded new opportunities. In Thai society, the perception of IT as a golden ticket to financial security may now need to be reconsidered and broadened to include adaptability, life-long learning, and interdisciplinary skills.
Looking forward, the consensus among researchers and industry leaders is that the technology sector will continue to create jobs, but these positions will increasingly require advanced, specialized knowledge – not just general programming skills. “Upskilling and specializing will become mandatory, not optional,” a leading curriculum developer in Thailand remarked. It is anticipated that demand for expertise in AI ethics, business analysis, and sector-specific applications – such as AI in agriculture or healthcare – will drive future hiring.
For Thai students and educators, several practical steps emerge from this rapidly evolving situation. Career counselors recommend proactively researching labor market trends, seeking internships or cooperative education opportunities in fields less vulnerable to automation, and building a portfolio that demonstrates real-world problem-solving. IT departments are encouraged to strengthen partnerships with industry, ensuring curriculums remain relevant and graduates are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow.
Government agencies and policymakers also have a role to play. Strategic investment in areas where Thailand faces unique challenges – such as building local AI datasets, supporting tech startups, and integrating AI solutions into public administration – could generate new roles tailored to domestic needs.
In conclusion, while job market oversaturation and the impacts of AI are real concerns for computer science graduates, the situation is not without hope. By embracing adaptability, pursuing in-demand specializations, and staying attuned to emerging trends, Thai students can navigate the shifting landscape with greater confidence. As one senior tech educator puts it: “The future will favor those willing to reinvent themselves and learn continuously.”
For more information and practical support, students are encouraged to follow updates from trusted news outlets (Newsday), connect with professional associations in Thailand, and review annual reports from the National Statistical Office and Thai Digital Economy Promotion Agency.