Bangkok: In recent weeks, social media has been abuzz with an article titled "The End of First Jobbers" from the page Trick of the Trade, which pointed out that jobs for recent graduates are disappearing due to the advancement of AI, which is launching new features almost weekly and can now replace humans in repetitive tasks that don't require emotion.
According to Thai News Agency, Khun Nui from "Marketing Daily" initially didn't believe AI could completely replace humans. However, after immersing himself in AI technology, as advised by a world-class AI engineer, he discovered that AI could perform almost all of his employees' tasks at a fraction of the cost. This realization led him to inform his employees that writing articles or creating content was no longer their responsibility, as AI could handle it efficiently. This serves as a warning sign that even small companies are realizing the potential of AI to reduce the need for a large workforce.
The cost-effectiveness of employing AI is evident in the equation: Senior + AI = 5 Juniors. The challenge for first-jobbers isn't just about skills but also about ROI (Return on Investment). Two AI systems cost around 6,000 baht, significantly less than the starting salary of a fresh graduate, which ranges from 18,000 to 20,000 baht. Companies are increasingly hiring experienced seniors and using AI to assist with tasks, enhancing efficiency multiple times over. In the competitive job market, recent graduates struggle against experienced candidates willing to accept lower salaries.
Professor Thanyawat Chaiyatrakoonchai stressed that the issue for recent graduates isn't solely about ability but also about "mindset." Those who only fulfill their job descriptions or refuse to work overtime may find it challenging to secure employment. Only individuals with outstanding mindsets, like Namyen, a new hire by Khun Nui, who dared to present innovative ideas and collaborate with AI to produce results swiftly, will thrive in this era.
This situation reflects broader issues within the social structure. Professor Thanyawat compares it to the 1997 Tom Yum Kung crisis, where widespread unemployment led to economic instability. The current insecurity affects people's willingness to make significant life decisions, such as buying homes, marrying, or having children, impacting the national economy. As progress accelerates, traditional security systems struggle to keep up, creating "Future Anxiety." Knowledge from academic fields may become obsolete, highlighting the importance of acquiring new skills to adapt to rapid technological advancements, as even CEOs may face challenges in the future.