Automation and robotics will replace labour-intensive jobs over the next five years as e-commerce comes to the fore and Thailand undergoes a worker shortage, says Tanit Sorat, chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai).
Mr Tanit said EconThai expects industries such as retail, wholesale, direct sales and logistics to be disrupted by automated systems as business owners strive to reduce costs and deal with the labour shortage.
"The financial sector has already been disrupted by new technology, thanks to mobile banking and domestic investments in the S-curve industries, in line with the Thailand 4.0 policy," he said.
Mr Tanit said the daily minimum wage in Thailand will continue to increase in the near future, which will encourage local businesses to continue investing large amounts in automation in the hopes they will break even in the long term.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can't access financing options such as soft loans from the government to upgrade their machinery and supply chains, he said.
"SMEs may have the know-how, but cannot access soft loans because local banks are strict. Large businesses will probably have no problem adapting to this trend," said Mr Tanit.
"Employees in the 40-50 age range generally have no tech skills and won't be changed by any ideas or adapt to new technologies."
Employees aged 20-30 are ready to adjust to new technology, but this group is likely to switch jobs when they see new opportunities, he said.
"Employees aged 40-50 should upgrade their skills as the marketplace evolves. Employees aged 20-30 should improve their language and computer skills to help them secure jobs in the future," said Mr Tanit.