Bangkok: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is shifting its role from a labor-saving tool to a replacement for human workers. Dr. Prinya Hom-anek emphasized the importance of adapting to this change now, as the workforce is expected to transition from simple chatbot functionalities to comprehensive AI agents by 2030.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Prinya highlighted that while AI initially served as a program to answer questions, it now performs tasks entirely in place of humans, especially in repetitive jobs like data entry and factory logistics. A report from the World Economic Forum warns that organizational strategies must evolve; failure to adapt could lead to companies disappearing from the business landscape.
The concept of an "experience paradox" emerges as AI can acquire extensive knowledge rapidly, posing a challenge for recent graduates. Desk jobs such as translation, accounting, data research, and junior programming are at high risk of being replaced by AI. Conversely, manual labor requiring physical skill and dexterity, such as construction, cooking, and sanitation, remains irreplaceable by AI.
Dr. Prinya stressed the need to preserve the "Human Touch" in the workforce. While AI excels in precision, it lacks the charm of human interaction, critical in sectors like hospitality. Skills such as communication, social engagement, and emotional expression are vital for humans to maintain relevance in an AI-driven world.
The role of workers is expected to evolve from being doers to controllers, transitioning from the Human-in-the-loop to the Human-on-the-loop model. This means AI will manage processes entirely, with humans overseeing and correcting errors.
Dr. Prinya concluded that AI will not eliminate truly talented individuals but will replace those engaged in routine work. Upskilling and reskilling are crucial for survival, particularly in developing qualities like sensitivity and meticulousness, which AI cannot replicate.