Chai yo (ไชโย) is the most common toast you'll hear, though some younger Thais in urban areas also use the English word 'cheers' casually. Clinking glasses — chon kaew — is a normal and expected part of the toast. Maintaining eye contact while clinking is considered polite and is practiced in Thailand, similar to the norm in many other countries, so there's nothing dramatically unusual here. In more traditional or formal settings, it's also respectful to clink your glass slightly lower than that of an elder or senior person as a small gesture of deference.
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Try the Local Etiquette & Taboos Checker →In a social group setting, it's polite to wait for a communal toast before taking your first sip, especially in more traditional or formal gatherings. In casual bar settings with friends, this is less strictly observed, but joining in the toast when one is made is always the right move.
It's considered good manners to pour for others at the table rather than just filling your own glass, particularly in traditional or older social settings. Keeping an eye on others' glasses and refilling them is a common hospitality gesture. In casual or younger crowds this may be more relaxed, but offering to pour for others is always well-received.
Toasting works with whatever is being drunk — beer (especially local brands like Chang and Singha), whisky mixed with soda, or wine. Whisky-soda mixes are very popular at Thai social gatherings, so don't be surprised if that's what's in the glasses being raised. Non-alcoholic drinks in a mixed group are fine too; joining the clink matters more than what's in your glass.