A leading filmmaker reveals a passion for Astro Boy and other Japanese comic book figures

A quick glance around filmmaker Yongyooth Thongkongtoon's office is enough to reveal that the noted director and producer does indeed have a penchant for collecting - toys of various shapes and sizes are perched on most of the shelves.

But ask him what kind of toys he prefers, and Yongyooth is stumped, though he readily admits that he now owns more than 1,000 items and that much of his collection is kept at his home.

It's not so much about collecting, he explains, more about revisiting childhood memories.

"There was never any money for toys when I was young, so when I started working, I kept shelling out for them. It started as a kind of vengeance - a payback for poverty," says the director with a smile.

However, he admits that the rationale never really made sense, chuckling as he recalls sending a messenger to McDonalds each time the burger chain released a new series of Happy Meal toys. "Now I have 20 drawers filled with Happy Meal collections and I never play with them."

He doesn't regret collecting the toys, though.

"For the price, the [Happy Meal] collections are of high quality. When you piece them together, the joints fit well too," he says.

His fondest childhood memories are of Japanese comic book figures and the Kamen Raiders, so many of the toys in his collection are Japanese gizmos. A particular favourite is Astro Boy.

"I wasn't a big fan of then Astro boy comic but I like the character. It's one of my best childhood memories," he says.

"I've also bought the Ultra Seven Kamen riders because the characters and I were born the same year."

Another prized possession is a TOMY train set.

"I love playing with toys that actually do something and now, when I have free time, I can share these pleasures with my daughter," says the director.

Other models are, as one might expect, film-related, with models from "Lost", "24" and "Star Wars".

He stocks up when he visits Japan, spending his free time wandering around the toyshops in Harajuku and Akiharbara.

"Strolling around Akihabara tends to stressed me out as I get the urge to buy everything. The only way I can save money is by staying away from the area," he says.

But he is not an extreme collector and doesn't lay out serious money for his toys. His most expensive purchase is Bt5,000 - the price he paid for his favourite Astro Boy model.