Giving a toast at a Thai wedding

At a Thai wedding reception, speeches usually come from a senior guest (ประธานในพิธี), parents, and sometimes a friend; a foreign colleague or friend may well be asked, often with little warning. Keep it short, two minutes at most. Open with แขกผู้มีเกียรติทุกท่าน, say who you are, mention both families, tell one warm (never embarrassing) story, then wish the couple ร่มเย็นเป็นสุข and invite everyone to raise their glasses. A few lines of good Thai mean more than a long speech in English. Gifts are usually cash: ใส่ซอง with your name on the envelope, the amount depending on closeness and the venue.