The
Guinness World Records
(GWR) recently made an announcement regarding the deactivation of the
longest-kiss world record
, citing concerns over safety. In a statement released on their website, GWR explained that certain rules of the competition conflicted with their updated policies. As a result, GWR has replaced the
longest kiss
record category with the longest kissing marathon.
According to GWR, the longest kiss ever lasted was of 58 hours 35 minutes, achieved by Thai couple Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat. The superlative smooch took place at an event organised by Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Pattaya, Thailand, beginning on 12 February 2013 and ending two days later, on Valentine’s Day.
"We did this because the competition had become too dangerous, and some of the rules conflicted with our current, updated policies." the website reads.
Citing the rules of the record, which all challengers were required to follow, GWR also provided an explanation of the challenges faced by participants in adhering to these rules while attempting to break the record.
Due to the escalating length of the record to be broken and the absence of rest breaks, participants were increasingly vulnerable to the risks associated with sleep deprivation, including the development of psychosis.
Previous attempts at breaking the kissing record had already witnessed several instances of contestants experiencing adverse effects and negative consequences.
Announcing the new longest kissing marathon, GWR said, "Although we no longer monitor the longest kiss record, we have replaced it with something else: the longest kissing marathon,"
Challengers in this new contest are granted the allowance of rest breaks to ensure their well-being. Following every uninterrupted hour of kissing, challengers are entitled to five minutes of rest, which can be accumulated if not utilized. During these rest breaks, challengers have the freedom to sleep, eat, and separate their lips, effectively reducing the risk of fainting, experiencing psychosis, or necessitating resuscitation.
"There is no current record holder for the longest kissing marathon. Could you be the first?", GWR said.
