Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, who set the world’s longest kiss record at 58 hours in 2013, reveal they are no longer together

Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, the Thai couple who made headlines in 2013 for their record-breaking 58-hour and 35-minute kiss, have revealed they are no longer together.

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Ekkachai shared the news on the BBC Sounds podcast Witness History, where he reflected on their incredible achievement and the end of their marriage. Despite their separation, he expressed pride in their accomplishment.

“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 Guinness World Record in 2011 when they kissed for 46 hours and 24 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 32 hours and 7 minutes.

Despite Laksana’s recent recovery from illness, they were motivated by the competition’s prize — 50,000 Thai Baht (approximately £1,200) and a diamond ring.

Their journey wasn’t easy. Ekkachai recalled nearly fainting during the competition, with spectators handing him an inhaler for support.

The strict rules added to the challenge: lips had to remain touching at all times, contestants had to stay awake and standing without any aids, and adult nappies were banned — meaning couples had to remain kissing even during bathroom breaks.

As the hours dragged on and competitors dropped out, Laksana’s determination kept them going. “We need to keep fighting,” she told Ekkachai, pushing them through sheer exhaustion until they finally emerged victorious.

In 2012, their record was briefly overtaken by two Thai men who managed a 50-hour, 25-minute kiss.

Determined to reclaim their title, Ekkachai and Laksana trained hard for the 2013 competition, with an increased prize of 100,000 Thai Baht (around £2,350) and two diamond rings.

Their dedication paid off when they kissed for an astonishing 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds — a record that still stands today.

The Guinness World Records later retired the “longest kiss” category due to safety concerns, making the Tiranarats the permanent titleholders.

Despite their shared victory, the couple’s relationship eventually came to an end. While Ekkachai didn’t elaborate on the reasons for their split, he remains proud of what they accomplished together.

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“Only crazy people would accomplish something like that. A normal person wouldn’t try it,” he joked, recalling the grueling challenge and the support they received from friends and family.