It's one small step into the record books for the world's shortest man

• Khagendra Thapa Magar is expected to be named the world's shortest man, just as he celebrates his 18th birthday. Picture: AFP/Getty

His family has been campaigning for years to get Thapa the crown, but earlier requests to the Guinness World Records people were rejected because of the possibility he might grow. Up to now, he was certified as the shortest male teenager.

Once his measurements are taken three times in the span of ten hours he is expected to overtake Edward Nino Hernandez of Colombia, who measures a relatively towering 27 inches.

Thapa, weighs just over 12lbs. His father says he has no explanation for why Thapa never grew taller - his younger brother is a normal height for a boy of 13. Local doctors are also stumped as to what is going on.

Thapa behaves and speaks like a young child and attends nursey with children who are five years old.

While his father was excited for Thapa to finally enter the record books, the young man was more focused on his birthday festivities.

"I want a big chocolate cake with red decorations," he said.