By Abigail Philip David
Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, the Thai couple who set the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest kiss—lasting an astonishing 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds in 2013—have announced their separation.
The couple first made history in 2011 with a 46-hour, 24-minute kiss, surpassing the previous record of 32 hours and 7 minutes. However, their title was briefly taken in 2012 by two Thai men, Nonthawat Charoenkaesornsin and Thanakorn Sitthiamthong, who kissed for 50 hours and 25 minutes. Determined to reclaim their status, Ekkachai and Laksana trained rigorously and won the 2013 competition, securing their place in history.
Speaking on the BBC Sounds podcast, Ekkachai reflected on their achievement 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 the fact that we did this together.”
Endurance, Exhaustion, and Victory
The 2011 competition almost didn’t happen for them, as Laksana had just recovered from an illness. However, the promise of a 50,000 Thai Baht (£1,200) cash prize and a diamond ring convinced them to participate.
Ekkachai described the intense atmosphere: “There were around 14 couples competing, with a lot of media watching. I felt like I was going to faint at one point, but spectators handed me an inhaler to help me through.”
The grueling competition had strict rules: lips had to remain in contact at all times, contestants had to stay awake, remain standing without support, and could not use incontinence products. Even toilet breaks required couples to maintain their kiss.
Many competitors collapsed from exhaustion, but Laksana’s determination kept them going. “We need to keep fighting,” she told Ekkachai, who pushed through despite extreme fatigue.
In the final stretch, only two couples remained. When Ekkachai noticed their opponents had fallen asleep and their lips parted, he knew they had won.
“Only crazy people would accomplish something like that,” he joked, recalling reactions from family and friends.
The Final Champions
Their record was briefly lost in 2012, but in 2013, with a new prize of 100,000 Thai Baht (£2,350) and two diamond rings, they fought to reclaim their title. Learning from past mistakes, they stayed still like statues, tapping each other on the head to stay awake.
“In the final hours, the second-place couple raised their hands and gave up. I was happy, but I was too tired to celebrate—I just wanted to rest and drink,” Ekkachai said.
Guinness World Records later retired the longest kiss category due to safety concerns, making Ekkachai and Laksana the final record holders.
While their marriage has come to an end, their extraordinary feat remains etched in history as an unmatched test of endurance, love, and sheer willpower.
