Seven couples in Thailand have beaten the world record for the longest ever kiss. A total of 14 pairs entered the contest at a southern beach resort town to celebrate Valentine's Day and attempt to beat the existing record of 32 hours, 7 minutes and 14 seconds set in Germany in 2009, The AP reports. Seven couples were still in an embrace 36 hours after the start of the contest. Three dropped out Monday morning local time, leaving four still in the competition. Organiser Somporn Naksuetrong said: "We didn't think we would find anybody that could break the record. "We want to show that love is meaningful and powerful. It's not easy to stand there and kiss for that long. They really have to help each other and support each other." The winning couple will receive 100,000 Baht (£2,000) prize money and a diamond ring worth 50,000 Baht. Couples must keep their lips connected at all times, even during supervised bathroom breaks permitted every three hours. Drinks are allowed through straws as long as the couples keep kissing.

All pairs must be married to one another, or have a signed letter from their parents proving they are a genuine couple.