Artificial Intelligence and Its Impacts on Employability

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the amount of artificial intelligence that was used in seven selected businesses in Thailand and its impacts on employability. In-depth interviews were conducted with each participant that lasted between 30 to 45 minutes. The use of AI varied across the various businesses from as high as 40% to 0%. Thailand is slower than some other nations in switching to AI, but that will change in a few years’ time as some business were reported to be in the process of AI development. A few other businesses were less enthusiastic in AI adoption because their businesses are still highly reliant on humans. The high costs of embracing AI and translating software programs into the Thai language made others reluctant to make the shift. Current job displacements have been low, but the numbers are expected to run to high levels in five to 10 years once AI is widely employed. The younger generation of employees were more accepting and less resistant to AI, while the opposite was true of the older generations. Many participants also mentioned the necessity of upskilling to survive and maintain future employability.