Hi Ray,
It was the results from those massive Fuji printers that got me into digital imaging. I didn't take it seriously before 1999 because of the longevity issue. It was Epson's launching of the 2000P and a remark back in '99 from an imaging specialist who said to me - you know, we have all this sophisticated, automated process machinery here and the best technicians we could find to hire, but only YOU know what you saw and what you want in those images - and nowadays we have equipment to help get you started.............well started I got and it goes on and on.
Ah yes, Prime Ministers of Thailand - wouldn't have been a guy by the name of Thaksin would it? I'm sure you know - he was into telecoms (big time) - that huge glassy building on the banks of the Chao Prya - plus plus. I understand the family background is the silkworks in Chiang Mai; if it's the same folks, I didn't know they were into photo paper as well. Anyhow, the company may be fine, but not clear what stamp of quality that imparts to the product. Thailand is an amazing place. You can buy the best and the worst of the same-looking stuff without knowing the difference one iota till some time well down the road, isn't it?