A wave of concern has swept through global education and tech circles as new research highlights an unexpected backlash against the widely promoted “learn to code” movement. Computer science, once championed as a surefire path to security and prosperity, has become a cautionary tale as recent university graduates face a sudden spike in joblessness, surpassing many of their non-technical peers and igniting deep conversations in Thailand about the future of digital education and the realities of the job market (Futurism).
The significance of this development is profound for Thailand, where both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Digital Economy have aggressively promoted coding and digital literacy in schools over recent years. Since 2023, Thai policymakers have rolled out nationwide campaigns to introduce coding classes to thousands of primary students, aiming to position the workforce for international competitiveness (Pattaya Mail, Nation Thailand). However, fresh data from the United States and global analytics point to an increasingly saturated technology job market and highlight urgent questions for Thailand’s education and labor planners.
The latest report from the New York Federal Reserve, cited in multiple international outlets, shows that computer science graduates in the US are now facing a 6.1% unemployment rate, and computer engineering majors are faring even worse at 7.5%. Both figures are higher than the 5.8% average for recent graduates across all majors. Ironically, recent journalism graduates — often warned their profession was in decline — have only a 4.4% unemployment rate, making them less likely to be jobless than their friends in tech (Entrepreneur).
This shift is particularly striking given the narrative of the past decade. The “learn to code” mantra, popularized globally in the late 2010s, spawned a wave of governmental and private sector initiatives targeting students from primary education through to university. Thailand followed this trend, introducing digital classroom projects, creating new coding curriculum standards, and encouraging children to become creators of technology rather than merely consumers (Elite Plus Magazine). Supporters envisioned a prosperous future where coding skills would insulate graduates from the pitfalls of automation, offshoring, and economic shocks.
But the present reality tells a different story. Entry-level jobs in tech are increasingly scarce, with many companies preferring candidates with advanced experience or offshoring positions to reduce costs. Worse, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies means even new roles are being replaced before recent graduates can compete for them. Bryan Driscoll, an HR and business consultant cited by Newsweek, commented, “We’ve overproduced degrees without addressing how exploitative and gatekept the tech hiring pipeline has become. Entry-level roles are vanishing, unpaid internships are still rampant, and companies are offshoring or automating the very jobs these grads trained for.” (Futurism)
The sense of disillusionment is bluntly summarized by a leading finance commentator: “We created a gold rush mentality around coding right as the gold ran out. Companies are cutting engineering budgets by 40 percent while CS enrollment hits record highs. It’s basic economics. Flood the market, crater the wages” (Futurism).
More granular data from Thailand mirrors some global patterns, though with important local differences. According to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Thai graduate unemployment has reached record highs, with around 91,000 degree holders currently unemployed and 410,000 new graduates struggling each year to find work (Nation Thailand). While IT and digital skills remain in demand by some sectors—particularly for top talents who command advanced coding, cybersecurity, or digital business skills—the number of true tech jobs is dwarfed by the number of graduates entering the market. A study by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) found that just 22% of job postings are genuinely entry-level, with the majority requiring prior work experience.
The Thai government has invested heavily in its “Coding for Better Life” initiative, aiming to create 1,500 digital classrooms and introduce programming at all key education levels (Nation Thailand). The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and global partners have organized teacher training on coding and plan to host international coding competitions to inspire youth, with over 700 schools already participating as of early 2024. Despite these efforts, the country faces an acute digital skills gap. Recent government figures cited in December 2023 estimate a need for 100,000 digital professionals each year but note that only about 25,000 are currently being produced—leaving both a talent surplus and a gap, depending on where and how specifically digital expertise is needed.
Expert opinion in Thailand is divided. Senior figures in the education ministry argue that coding remains essential, especially as digital technologies permeate agriculture, business, and public administration. The president of depa, for example, stresses that “coding skills are not only about finding jobs as software developers, but about applying digital thinking in every field—including agriculture, business operations, and rural development.” Nevertheless, private sector leaders warn the system is not preparing graduates for real-world challenges. A vice president at the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry observes, “Of the 420,000 annual graduates, only about 254,000 enter the traditional job market. The remaining 160,000 either venture into self-employment or remain financially dependent on their parents” (Nation Thailand).
For recent Thai graduates in computer science, the job search is only part of the struggle. Many report needing to upskill further—taking on unpaid internships, learning additional programming languages, or expanding their English proficiency—just to secure interviews. The TDRI concludes that the greatest obstacles are the scarcity of entry opportunities, the global outsourcing trend, and employers’ insistence on experience and soft skills such as problem-solving and communication.
A unique Thai dimension to this story is the urban-rural digital divide. A 2024 report from The Asia Foundation (though not fully accessible at time of writing) points to stark differences between provinces and Bangkok in terms of IT job opportunities and digital infrastructure. Urban graduates are more likely to find employment in tech or related fields, while those from rural areas may graduate with IT degrees but work outside of digital industries or migrate to urban centers quickly after finishing their studies.
Education policymakers are now debating the next steps. Critics from academic circles and industry associations urge more practical training, targeted talent development (focusing on areas like cybersecurity and data science where there are still shortages), and stronger collaboration between universities and employers to offer real-world internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job learning. Calls are growing to reform the curriculum so that coding is integrated as a universal skill but not oversold as a passport to tech riches.
Historically, Thailand’s rush to embrace digital skills was meant to prepare citizens for the Fourth Industrial Revolution—a transition that has brought real benefits, such as improved digital public services and new entrepreneurial opportunities. But labor market shifts and the global slowdown in tech hiring show the need for careful recalibration. In both developed and developing economies, the coding wave appears to have peaked for now, and managing expectations is crucial to prevent a lost generation of underemployed or discouraged youth.
Looking ahead, experts forecast that while the core need for digital literacy will remain, the job market is likely to demand a smaller, more specialized pool of technology professionals—those with advanced, up-to-date skillsets, real-world problem-solving abilities, and adaptability. Other graduates will increasingly need to blend coding with other capabilities such as communication, design, or business strategy. As digital technologies transform all sectors, jobs will emerge in fields not traditionally associated with IT, including creative industries, health, logistics, and agriculture.
For Thai students and families weighing their options, the practical recommendation is to prioritize a broader set of skills. Language proficiency, especially in English, real-world exposure through internships, and multi-disciplinary knowledge are all cited as differentiators in the modern job market. It is also crucial to monitor changing sectoral demand and stay alert to signals from employers rather than blindly following educational trends.
In sum, the “learn to code” gold rush has delivered mixed results. While coding is a valuable skill and should be part of every student’s education, it is no longer a guarantee of secure or lucrative employment. Thai policymakers, educators, students, and parents must proceed with nuance, valuing flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
For those currently pursuing or considering computer science degrees in Thailand, experts advise:
- Seek out real-world experience through hackathons, internships, or freelance projects
- Develop complementary skills in communication, business, or design
- Be open to career paths outside of traditional tech roles
- Monitor local and global industry trends before specializing
- Advocate for education reforms that connect learning with employer needs
As the digital landscape evolves, one constant remains: practical adaptability and a willingness to continuously learn will be the key to thriving, regardless of shifts in technology or market demand.
Sources: Futurism, Nation Thailand, Pattaya Mail, Entrepreneur, Elite Plus Magazine, Nation Thailand