Half a world away, the Thai people are celebrating Valentine's Day with more romantic zeal than ever as seven couples bring their lips together in one of the longest most exciting "kiss offs" on the planet. The event, hosted at the Thai beach resort of Pattaya near Bangkok, just may break the world record.

The marathon, which started yesterday, will continue through tomorrow, assuming the young couples are able to keep it together as they set their sights on the record. The current time stands at 46 hours, 24 minutes and nine seconds, which was set last year by Lakkana Tiranarat and her husband. They are back this year.

"I love that Thailand holds the world's record for the longest kiss, especially on Valentine's Day, because it shows the world how progressive and inventive the Thai people can be," says Alan Wong, general manager of Kung Fu Plaza in Las Vegas. "I wish the event were held here in Las Vegas, given that we are the number one city in the United States for weddings. Even so, I would want Thai people to win. Although Las Vegas also has a few interesting ideas."

Unlike many kissing competitions, the world record standard is especially challenging. Participants cannot break their lip lock for any reason — bathroom breaks, drinks, food, or teeth brushing. The contestants who win will receive a 100,000 baht diamond ring and a hotel gift voucher for 200,000 baht.

 The kissing contest is one of many celebrations in Thailand. 

In Thailand, another record might have been set. Thirty-four couples took part in the the sixteenth mass underwater wedding where couples traded vows, kisses, and the "okay" sign to seal the deal for their marriage. The ceremony was staged just off the coast of Ko Kradan, which is considered one of the most picturesque islands in Southern Thailand.

"It started because young people started to fall in love with Valentine's Day, but it has since taken the country by storm. Everybody in Thailand loves the holidays," said Wong. "And now I am reading that everybody else in the world is in love with Thailand's love for Valentine's Day."

What's not to love? The romantic affair is observed with a grand celebration, romantic dinners, flowers, chocolates, and candies. And since young people have embraced the holiday, adults have started exchanging gifts and affections too.

What's more, some publications are starting to suggest that Thai food be the cuisine of choice among those who feel the pangs of love. About.com even suggested that all dinners for two ought to be Thai because of its special, spicy, and sensual overtones.

"I love the idea that Thai food could become the meal of choice among Valentine's Day patrons," says Wong. "The menu they suggested, however, all seems rather cliche. There are better ways to pick cuisine than red foods and so-called aphrodisiacs."

Instead, tom yum soup (which also has red highlights) is the best starter because it warms the heart. Any number of Thai-style sweet and sour dishes (jumbo shrimp, chicken, pork) would make a great choice or Kung Fu Plaza roast duck for those preferring Chinese. For dessert, Kung Fu Plaza serves six ice creams and two fruits (lychee and longan).

Kung Fu Plaza was originally founded in 1973 as a small 25-seat restaurant in Downtown Las Vegas. It later moved to become one of the first independent Las Vegas restaurants inside the then-legendary Plaza Hotel at the urging of its owner. When Chinatown opened in Las Vegas, Kung Fu Plaza moved again so it could better serve the hotels and resorts along the Las Vegas Strip.