“Unforeseen Crisis Forces Guinness World Records to Halt ‘Longest Non-Stop Kiss’ Challenge: What Happened?”

Let’s be honest—some world records are just plain dull. Who really cares about the largest bubble gum bubble or the loudest burp? I mean, come on! Give me something that’s got a little zing, a dash of insanity, maybe even a hint of danger. Picture this: a couple locked in a passionate embrace, locked lips for over 58 hours… and I’m not talking about a romantic getaway, folks! Yup, that’s right—the Guinness World Records had to pull the plug on the infamous ‘longest non-stop kiss’ attempt after realizing it might be a tad perilous. The record was set by a Thai couple, Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, back in 2013, and it was such an intense showdown of devotion that it raised more than a few eyebrows about what extreme lengths love can—and should—go to! From hilarious to hazardous, let’s dive deeper into this captivating tale of romance and risk. LEARN MORE.

Let’s be honest, some world records seem a little mundane. You know, like blowing the biggest bubble gum bubble or doing the loudest burp.

I want a big thrill, excitement, wackiness, weirdness. But then there’s also the record breakings that have a bit of danger to them, a risk.

Like the time Guinness World Records had to cancel attempts for the ‘longest non-stop kiss’ for a terrifying reason.

Back in 2013, Thai couple Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat achieved the longest kiss ever with an exhausting 58 hours and 35 minutes.

The Tiranarats. (Guinness World Records)

The annual event

This was part of a super smoochy event organised by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Pattaya, Thailand, beginning on 12 February and ending two days later, on Valentine’s Day.

There were nine couples that year with four making it past the previous record of 50 hours 25 mins set the year prior.

The Tiranarats had previously set the record back in 2011 and were awarded roughly £2,131 and two diamond rings for the win.

But despite all the hype, Guinness World Records deactivated the record category soon after because the competition became ‘too dangerous, and some of the rules conflicted with its current, updated policies’.

Rules of the record

• The kiss must be continuous and the lips must be touching at all times. If the lips part, the couple are immediately disqualified.
• Contestants may consume liquids via a straw during the attempt, but again, the lips must not part.
• The couple must be awake at all times.
• The contestants must stand during the attempt and cannot be propped together by any aids.
• No rest breaks are allowed.
• Adult nappies/diapers or incontinence pads are not allowed to be worn.

Couples could use the toilet but did have to keep kissing while they went with an accompanying referee keeping an eye out for cheating.

2012’s record holders, Nonthawat Charoenkaesornsin and Thanakorn Sitthiamthong. (Guinness World Records)

Dangers of the event

With the record getting longer and longer with no rest breaks allowed, some participants were prone to suffering from the dangers associated with sleep deprivation like psychosis.

Guinness World Records says there had previously been instances of competitors suffering ill effects.

The 1999 record holders, Karmit Tzubera and Dror Orpaz, were ‘barely conscious’ after kissing for 30 hours and 45 minutes. After winning, they almost fainted and were rushed to hospital where they received treatment for fatigue.

And in 2004, Andrew Sarti had to be resuscitated with oxygen after kissing girlfriend Anna Chen for 31 hours and 18 minutes. During their attempt he suffered muscle cramps and Anna had to massage him.