Quantum precision measurements are crucial for basic research and original innovations. As a vital research topic, the interaction between a laser and thermal-alkali atomic ensemble is significant for the frontier investigations of physics and technical applications, being one of the frontiers of scientific research. Notably, studies and applications based on laser-atom interactions have facilitated breakthroughs in the principles and technologies for ultrahigh precision and miniaturization of an array of precision measurement sensors represented by spin exchange relaxation-free (SERF) atomic magnetometers, coherent population trapping (CPT) atomic clocks, and SERF atomic spin gyroscopes. This review analyzes the achievements and progress in the magnetic field, time, and inertial measurements in recent ten years, and these are summarized from the perspective of the principle and application of the interaction between a laser and thermal-alkali atomic ensemble. Furthermore, prospects for the future development of devices based on the interaction between a laser and thermal-alkali atomic ensemble are discussed.