A Thai couple who once held the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss have revealed that they are no longer together.
Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, who gained international fame in 2013 after locking lips for an astonishing 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds, recently shared the news of their split.
According to the BBC, Ekkachai reflected on their record-breaking moment and the end of their marriage.
“I am very proud. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said. “We spent a long time together, and I’m trying to remember the good memories and that we did this together.”
The couple first broke the record in 2011 when they kissed for 46 hours and 24 minutes. At the time, the existing record stood at 32 hours and seven minutes.
Although they had initially hesitated to participate, Laksana’s recent recovery from an illness and the promise of a cash prize of 50,000 Thai Baht (approximately £1,200) and a diamond ring convinced them to enter.
Recalling the grueling competition, Ekkachai said, “There were a lot of people there. Around 14 couples were competing, and the media was all around us. I felt like I was going to faint at one point, but some spectators handed me an inhaler to keep me going.”
The contest had strict rules: participants had to remain standing at all times, with their lips continuously touching.
They were not allowed to use any support aids, rest, or even wear adult diapers. Although they were permitted to use the restroom, they had to remain kissing while doing so.
“Many people couldn’t handle it and collapsed. After 20 hours, I was exhausted and could barely stand, but my wife told me, ‘We need to keep fighting,’ so I pushed through,” Ekkachai recounted.
Their first victory was short-lived when, in 2012, two Thai men—Nonthawat Charoenkaesornsin and Thanakorn Sitthiamthong—surpassed their record with a 50-hour, 25-minute kiss.
Determined to reclaim their title, Ekkachai and Laksana trained intensely for the 2013 contest, where the prize had doubled to 100,000 Thai Baht (around £2,350) and two diamond rings.
Determined to win, Ekkachai said, “We tried to stand straight like statues. Instead of pinching to stay awake, we tapped each other on the head with one hand while hugging with the other.”
When the final competing couple fell asleep and their lips parted, Ekkachai knew they had won. “Only crazy people would attempt something like that. A normal person wouldn’t try it,” he joked.
Following their victory, Guinness World Records retired the category, citing safety concerns and policy changes, making Ekkachai and Laksana the last official record holders for the longest kiss.
Although their marriage has now ended, Ekkachai remains proud of what they accomplished together. “It was our Roman Empire,” he said, referring to the determination they had to reclaim their title.
