Last week, the former adviser to the Industry minister launched "Oups from Heart's Planet", the first book he has ever translated.

It has taken him almost a year to complete the work and he readily admits that a professional translator would have completed the 48 pages in a much shorter time. But the millionaire chairman of Asia Television and Media, a company that handles six TV programmes, doesn't have many spare moments.

And those who work with Kosit know that their boss is a stickler for detail.

"Sometimes I get bored with my meticulous habits," says B Plus Publishing's chairman with a broad smile.

Kosit found Oups, an extraterrestrial ambassador of love, at last year's Frankfurt book fair.

The book, in German and with attractive illustrations, immediately caught his eye.

"I met the author and illustrator. We enjoyed sharing experiences, thoughts and views about society and books for hours. We had a lot in common. I went back the next day and signed a contract to translate Oups into Thai."

"Oups from Heart's Planet" is a book for the heart and soul. The tiny ET encourages everyone, no matter their age, to always meet life's challenges with a positive attitude.

"The writer reflects social problems through Oups, the little messenger from Heart's Planet. Oups is always watching people on earth. He can't understand why people on such a lovely and rich planet quarrel so much and wage war against each other.

"So he decides to fly to Earth to bring them two gifts - love and joy," says the first-time translator.

Kosit hopes readers will use this book to show love to others.

"People usually give flowers or chocolate. Books can also express love and they last longer."

After returning home with the contract, his team could think of no one more suitable than Kosit to handle the translation, especially as the chairman of B Plus Publishing was so obviously enamoured by the tiny ET.

Kosit worked on the book early in the morning or at night before went to bed - his only free moments.

"I didn't find it stressful. It was fun and I felt happy while translating. I remembered a lot of simple philosophies that I'd completely forgotten. It also helped me with my command of both Thai and English. It was ages since I'd written anything! My secretary drafts my speeches."

"Oups from Heart's Planet" costs Bt250, including a CD featuring an audio book and two songs, "I'm Glad" composed by Boyd Kosiyabong and "Follow your Heart" by ML Pittayakorn Rajani.

B Plus Publishing, which has "More Than Books" as its slogan, has distributed small containers called "Love Tanks", to many leading bookstores and encourages readers to donate the "Oups" audio books to the blind.

The audio book is also inspired by Kosit's long-time colleague who lost his eyesight about five years ago.

At 48, Kosit still enjoys working. He says he's often wondered why he has chosen to invest in a low-revenue business like a publishing house when he can make so much money in the TV industry.

"I've always dreamed of having a publishing house. The profit's not important. I do it to repay my debt to books."

The oldest son of a struggling family, Kosit was asked by his father to quit university during his second year to help his dad in his wholesale and retail business.

The young man carried on his education by reading all the books he could find in his hometown of Chon Buri. He still loves reading.

"I enjoy everything from business and marketing to philosophy."

The key phrase in "Oups from Heart's Planet" is: "Wherever you go, follow your heart."

Kosit has already followed his heart and fulfilled his dream.

Tanaporn Tangcharoenmankong

The Nation