Guinness World Record: Couple who kissed for 58 hours announce break up

Eric Patrick

Thai couple, Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, who won the world record for the longest kiss of 58 hours and 35 minutes in February 2013, have revealed they are no longer together. 

They made the announcement while speaking on the BBC Sounds podcast, Witness History, which aired recently.

Ekkachai reflected on the conclusion of his marriage, feeling a sense of pride in the remarkable achievement they had accomplished together.

Telling the host, he said, "I am very proud. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "We spent a long time together and I'm trying to remember the good memories and that we did this together."

Recall in 2011, the couple shattered the existing record by locking lips for an impressive 46 hours and 24 minutes. At the time, their competitors were vying to surpass a record of 32 hours and seven minutes.

He stated that they hadn't originally intended to participate in the 2011 competition, set to take place just days before Valentine’s Day since Laksana had just finished recovering from a prolonged illness. However, they were convinced to join after hearing about the enticing prize of 50,000 Thai Baht (around £1,200 at that time) along with a diamond ring.

He said, “There were a lot of people there. Around 14 couples were competing and a lot of media hovering around them. I felt like I was going to faint, some of the spectators handed me an inhaler to support me along the way.”

He remembered being “astonished” by the rules set for the world record attempt.

They specified that “lips must remain in contact at all times, the couple must stay awake throughout, contestants are required to stand during the attempt without any supportive aids, and the use of adult diapers, incontinence pads, or similar items were strictly prohibited.”

Also, while couples were allowed to use the toilet, they were “required to remain kissing while doing so.”

He added that many could not endure the ordeal and fell to the ground. After 20 long hours, he felt utterly drained and could hardly remain upright. Yet, his wife encouraged him, saying, "We must keep fighting." With her words in mind, he pushed himself to continue.

In the final stages, when only two couples remained, Ekkachai noticed their competition had fallen asleep. “When their lips parted,” he knew they had won.

Only crazy people would accomplish something like that. A normal person wouldn’t try it,” Ekkachai humorously recalled his response to family and friends who congratulated them.

Their triumph, however, was fleeting in 2012, as they were eclipsed by two Thai men, Nonthawat Charoenkaesornsin and Thanakorn Sitthiamthong, who set a new record by kissing for an impressive 50 hours and 25 minutes.

In 2013, Ekkachai and Laksana were resolute in their quest to reclaim their title, which they referred to as their “Roman Empire.” This time, the reward was a substantial sum of 100,000 Thai Baht (approximately £2,350) along with two diamond rings.

Ekkachai expressed their unwavering resolve to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. They dedicated themselves to intense training for the competition and ultimately emerged victorious against their competitors.

“We tried to stand straight like statues. Instead of pinching, we were tapping each other on the head with one hand and the other hand, we were hugging each other to keep awake.

“We learned from previous times. We didn’t worry too much and stayed relaxed. Some other couples were dancing when they were tired.

“During the final hours, the second-place couple raised their hands and gave up. I was happy, but it was overshadowed by how tired I was. I just wanted to rest and drink."

According to the Guinness World Record, they completed the kiss in 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds.

However, the GWR has deactivated the longest kiss category after their 2013 win, due to safety concerns and changes in their policies, leaving Ekkachai and Laksana as the final holders of the record.