Thai couple break kissing record

Contestants could eat, drink and use the lavatory, provided they did not break their embrace

A Thai couple has sealed a new record for the longest kissing, after locking lips for 46 hours, 24 minutes.

The Guinness World Records still have to verify the latest "kissathon" for it to become official.

Husband and wife team Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat were one of 14 couples taking part in a contest in Pattaya.

The pair won a diamond ring worth 50,000 baht (£1,016) and a 100,000 baht (£2,032) cash prize.

The couple began smooching at 0600 local time on Sunday, and were announced the winners just before dawn on Tuesday.

Contestants had to be either married or a serious couple, with a marriage certificate or letter from both parents required as proof.

They were allowed to eat, drink and use the lavatory, provided they did not break their embrace.

No sitting or sleeping was permitted; one woman fainted just half an hour into the competition.

"We want to show that love is meaningful and powerful," said organiser Somporn Naksuetrong.

"It's not easy to stand there and kiss for that long. They really have to help each other and support each other."

The previous record for the longest continuous kiss of just over 32 hours was set in 2009 by a couple in Germany.