From Intern to Engineer: Growing Careers in Acoustics in Thailand
The field of acoustics is rapidly expanding in Thailand and across ASEAN. With increasing demand for sustainable cities, quieter buildings, and healthier living environments, acoustic engineers play a vital role in solving real-world noise and vibration problems.
Many graduates discover this career through internships with acoustic consultancies or laboratories. After experiencing hands-on projects, some choose to continue as full-time engineers, building rewarding careers while contributing to society.
What skills does an acoustic engineer need?
Acoustic engineers combine technical expertise with practical problem-solving. In Thailand, this typically includes:
- Noise measurement & analysis using sound level meters and software.
- Building acoustics design, ensuring hotels, condos, and offices meet comfort standards.
- Environmental noise assessments, such as predicting traffic or industrial noise.
- Communication skills, to explain technical findings to clients, government agencies, and communities.
What projects do young engineers work on?
At Geonoise Thailand and similar consultancies, young professionals contribute to:
- Noise compliance projects — ensuring factories meet Thai and international noise regulations.
- Room acoustics — designing classrooms, auditoriums, and studios for clear speech and music.
- Noise mapping — visualizing city noise to support urban planning and smart city projects.
- ISO 17025 lab testing — supporting accredited calibration and material testing.
These projects allow interns and young graduates to grow quickly, gaining both technical and leadership experience.
Why does Thailand need more acoustic engineers?
As urban areas expand, noise pollution is becoming a critical environmental and health challenge. Thailand — and the wider ASEAN region — needs more specialists who can:
- Support green building certifications such as LEED and WELL.
- Advise governments on noise regulations and urban planning.
- Deliver innovative solutions for hotels, condominiums, schools, and transportation systems.
With the right training, young engineers can not only build rewarding careers but also improve quality of life for millions of people.
Career pathways in acoustics
For students considering this field, internships are the best way to gain exposure. Many engineers, like Punyakorn, discover their passion through hands-on experience with real projects. From there, opportunities open up in:
- Consulting firms like Geonoise Thailand.
- Accredited laboratories such as Acoustic Laboratory Thailand (ALT).
- Government agencies involved in environmental monitoring.
- Universities and research institutions.
👉 Interested in following more stories like this?
Follow AAT.news for bilingual updates on acoustics careers, research, and events across Thailand and ASEAN.