Thailand’s push to make coding a passport to good jobs has shaped student choices for years. New global findings, however, suggest that the popular belief in “learn to code” securing a bright future may be shifting. A recent assessment indicates rising unemployment among new computer science and computer engineering graduates in the United States, a development that prompts reflection on education policy and career planning in Thailand.
This matters for Thai readers because the country has aggressively expanded digital literacy and coding curricula in schools and higher education. Policymakers have urged students to embrace coding as a pathway to stable wages, a view echoed by Thai parents, teachers, and students. Enrollment in university CS programs climbed, while private coding schools expanded in Bangkok and other provincial capitals. As global trends become clearer, Thailand must consider what these signals mean for its own education system and job market.
Early data from the 2025 New York Federal Reserve labour market report shows unemployment for new computer science graduates at about 6.1 percent and around 7.5 percent for computer engineering graduates. By comparison, the overall unemployment rate for recent graduates stands near 5.8 percent. Once viewed as a “gold standard,” CS remains competitive language in the job market, but current patterns place it lower in employability rankings than several other fields. The concern is a broader slackening in STEM employment pathways, not just a US anomaly.
Thai industry voices link the trend to several factors. A Bangkok-based HR consultant notes similar dynamics at home: many graduates compete for relatively few entry-level tech roles, while automation and offshoring reshape demand. In the United States, experts point to a hiring pipeline that is more difficult to access for new entrants, with internships and early-career opportunities frequently scarce. The overarching theme is that demand for traditional coding-and-developer roles is evolving, not disappearing.
Artificial intelligence adds another layer of disruption. AI tools can generate code, test software, and assist with debugging, raising questions about the future of entry-level programming jobs. A cautious analysis cautions against assuming perpetual, high-wage demand for CS majors, emphasizing the need for practical, workplace-ready skills alongside technical knowledge. Thai university leaders echo this sentiment, describing an intensifying competition for credentials without a corresponding rise in real-world opportunities.
Thailand’s development plan, including the 20-year National Strategy and the digital transformation agenda, has prioritized coding from primary education through higher education. Government-backed hackathons and coding bootcamps have complemented this effort. If global signals indicate waning returns on pure CS investments, Thailand faces the risk of a growing cohort of skilled but underemployed youths. This aligns with broader discussions on graduate unemployment and the gap between classroom learning and employer needs.
Historically, STEM fields were seen as a reliable ladder for social mobility. Thai families invested in after-school coding programs, and urban youths pursued prestigious degrees with strong earning expectations. Today, the narrative is shifting. It is no longer guaranteed that a CS degree alone guarantees economic advancement, particularly as market dynamics reward broader capabilities and adaptability.
Looking ahead, several steps can help Thailand navigate this transition. Emphasize a balanced education that combines coding with essential soft skills—creativity, critical thinking, communication, and lifelong learning. Strengthen partnerships between universities and industry to align curricula with real-world needs and expand authentic internship opportunities. Encourage employers to create sustainable entry-level roles and structured training programs, not only senior positions or unpaid work experiences. Government agencies could drive data-driven career guidance and curricular reforms that prepare students for a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
For families and students, the takeaway is to pursue CS with a pragmatic approach. Consider complementary studies or interdisciplinary options that blend technology with design, business, or health. Stay informed about global job-market trends and view CS as part of a broader, adaptable skillset rather than a guaranteed, sole ticket to success.
This analysis draws on recent labour-market insights from a leading U.S. central bank and ongoing reports on employment trends in technology fields. The discussion also reflects industry perspectives from Thailand and elsewhere, highlighting the need for informed, context-aware education planning.