The couple who set the Guinness record for the longest kiss are separating

The Thai couple who broke the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss in 2013 have split after many years together.
Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat made history with a kiss that lasted a full 58 hours and 35 minutes, beating their previous record of 46 hours and 24 minutes in 2011.
According to The Independent, 56-year-old Ekkachai confirmed the split in an interview with BBC News World Service, expressing pride in their record and a desire to preserve the beautiful memories from that unique experience.
The historic kiss took place in Pattaya, Thailand, starting on February 12, 2013 and ending on Valentine's Day. "It was an unforgettable experience. We had many wonderful years together and I will always hold what we achieved in my heart," Ekkachai said.
Although they have not revealed the reasons for the separation, he emphasized that respect and care for each other still prevail between them.
The competition was a challenge in itself: they had to continue kissing even during bathroom breaks, while they had to pass water mouth to mouth. Despite these difficulties, the couple returned after their loss in 2012, determined to win.
"We had to stand straight as statues. When we fell asleep, instead of biting each other, a gentle touch on the head or a hug was enough," he recalled.
The prize for their triumph included two diamond rings and 100,000 baht (about $3,000). But when it was all over, the exhaustion was overwhelming.
"I didn't want to stand anymore. I just wanted to rest and drink water," Ekkachai concluded.
A story of love and determination that, despite the ending, remains a testament to the power of human connections and sacrifices to achieve a common goal.