A couple once known for their record-breaking kiss has revealed they are no longer together.
Ekkachai Tiranarat and his wife, Laksana, from Thailand, made history in 2013 when they locked lips for an incredible 58 hours and 35 minutes, setting a Guinness World Record.
Speaking on the BBC Sounds podcast Witness History, Ekkachai confirmed their breakup but remains proud of their achievement.
“I am very proud. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he told host Megan Jones. “We spent a long time together, and I choose to remember the good moments.”
The competition’s rules were grueling—couples had to remain kissing at all times, even during bathroom breaks, and could only drink water by passing it mouth-to-mouth. Ekkachai admitted the experience was far from enjoyable.
This wasn’t their first time making history. The couple originally set the record in 2011 with a 46-hour, 24-minute kiss. They hadn’t planned to compete but were drawn in by the prize: 50,000 Thai Baht (around £1,200 at the time) and a diamond ring.
The contest was a brutal endurance test. Held in a packed shopping mall in Pattaya, Thailand, Ekkachai felt faint early on. But as other couples dropped out, he and Laksana pushed through exhaustion, determined to win.
Despite claiming victory, they lost their title the following year when another couple broke their record.
Determined to reclaim the top spot, they trained for the 2013 competition and persevered for nearly 59 hours to take back the title. Their record remains unbeaten.
Guinness World Records later retired the longest kiss category, citing safety concerns. As a result, Ekkachai and Laksana remain the reigning champions.
Though their love story has ended, their place in history is forever sealed.