Bangkok: AI isn't just here to help, but to become a part of us. In this era of rapid technological advancement, the question "Will AI take our jobs?" may not be the most accurate question for 2026. A more important question is, "How will we adapt in a world where AI becomes core to every business?"
According to Thai News Agency, customer experience is the heart, and data is the lifeblood. Lessons learned from purchasing luxury shoes in Japan highlight that customer experience is paramount. Even for global brands, if their back-end systems aren't synchronized, such as online orders not being recorded by the physical store or receiving follow-up emails after payment, errors can occur. Conversely, e-commerce in Thailand is perceived as strong and fast-paced, which is the standard that modern businesses must meet to survive.
The era of Agentic AI and strategic planning is upon us. By 2026, AI will no longer be used for minor tasks but will enter the era of Agentic AI, acting like a "master AI" that directs other AIs to perform tasks according to a predefined workflow. In the past, strategists needed a team to execute the work, but today, a single person can plan and use various AI units to act as limbs instead. Businesses need to create AI that is specific to their organization to differentiate themselves and increase efficiency.
Education needs to keep up with "nano" speeds. The rapid obsolescence of knowledge is a significant challenge in the AI era. Textbooks may be outdated from the day they are written. Skills required for today's jobs are often acquired from online learning platforms or real-world training rather than traditional classrooms. The development of critical thinking is emphasized, as it is a skill that remains difficult for AI to imitate.
Caution is advised regarding data and investment security. Using free AI can come at a higher price than expected. If employees feed critical organizational data into an untrained AI system, that data could leak out. The gap between those using free and paid AI will become more apparent. Investing in advanced AI could provide more added value than its cost.
To survive and thrive in 2026, businesses should invest in superior tools, be mindful of data security, and sharpen critical thinking. The world in 2026 will see collaboration between humans, AI, and robots. To be respectable partners with AI, verification of information and overcoming "AI hallucinations" are essential.