As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly integrates into workplaces worldwide, mental health experts and researchers are sounding the alarm on the urgent need to investigate its emotional and psychological consequences. A recent call to action published in Psychology Today argues that while the technological capabilities of AI continue to dominate headlines, its less visible impact on human well-being—particularly for those whose livelihoods are increasingly intertwined with machines—deserves immediate and thorough research (Psychology Today).
For Thai readers, this discussion is timely and highly relevant. As Thailand accelerates its push for digital transformation and smart automation in industries ranging from manufacturing to finance and retail, more Thai workers now find themselves collaborating with AI systems and robotic technologies. Understanding how these changes may affect mental health and workplace morale is critical for both public policy and business management within the Kingdom.
Psychological studies from countries spearheading AI adoption reveal several emerging trends. Employees in AI-enabled environments often report a mix of anxiety, job insecurity, and even a sense of alienation stemming from the perception that machines may one day replace their roles (Harvard Business Review). Additionally, those working directly with intelligent automated systems can experience emotional exhaustion arising from constant monitoring, adapting to new tools, or navigating ambiguous responsibility boundaries between human and machine (Nature Human Behaviour). For knowledge-based professionals—such as those in finance, law, or even education—AI’s ability to mimic analytical or clerical tasks also raises complex questions about personal fulfillment and professional identity.
A senior official at a leading Thai university’s department of psychology indicated in a recent symposium that, “While AI-driven solutions bring efficiency improvements, they also disrupt existing team dynamics and can foster feelings of isolation or inadequacy among staff unused to tech-centric environments.” Indeed, Thailand’s unique workplace culture, which highly values social interaction, collective decision-making, and traditional hierarchy, may be especially sensitive to the subtle changes wrought by automation.
Globally, experts caution that the framing of AI as a purely rational and unemotional agent can deepen misunderstandings about its influence. An AI specialist from an international consultancy warned that, “Automating tasks isn’t just about processes and numbers. It changes relationships—between workers, managers, and even customers. If we don’t pay attention to the emotional fallout, organisations risk greater absenteeism, burnout, or resistance to adoption.”
For Thailand, these insights matter greatly as the government continues to roll out its “Thailand 4.0” agenda, which targets advanced technologies and high-value industries for economic growth (Thailand 4.0 Policy). Human resource leaders in Thai companies are already reporting pressures to re-skill workers and manage morale as job roles evolve. The Ministry of Labour has set up task forces to monitor psychological well-being in digital transformation pilot projects, but more systematic research is still needed.
Looking back, the Kingdom’s past experiences with rapid workplace change—such as during the Asian financial crisis of the 1990s and the rise of call centre outsourcing a decade later—demonstrate how technological shocks can generate both opportunities and stress. Lessons learned then, about the necessity of supportive management and mental health awareness, remain highly relevant.
What does the future hold? If global patterns continue, more Thai employees may feel what researchers call “techno-stress”—a mixture of overload, uncertainty, and the pressure to keep up with ever-shifting digital toolsets (Frontiers in Psychology). Yet, if organizations act proactively—offering training, fostering open dialogue about concerns, and integrating psychological support into their AI adoption strategies—these negative effects can be minimized. Greater public awareness, stronger workplace support systems, and mental health literacy are essential as Thailand moves forward.
For Thai policymakers, business leaders, and employees alike, now is the time to shift attention from the purely technological benefits of AI to its profound human implications. Investing in local research, surveying workers’ experiences, and building partnerships between clinical experts and tech designers can help ensure that Thailand’s digital future is both competitive and compassionate.
As AI redefines the nature of work, every stakeholder—from educators designing curricula to HR managers deploying new tools—should ask: What emotional cost will our AI choices carry, and how can we mitigate it? The sooner this conversation becomes central in Thai workplaces, the more resilient, innovative, and inclusive the nation’s digital transformation will be.