Unless you’re applying through the Sydney consulate it’s probably not a visa you’re going to get or qualify for. There have been instances where people have got one but very few and far between unless using Sydney.
I’m currently not in Thailand so I can’t confirm that’s the practice that’s currently happening but that’s what they’ve said will happen. In a couple of weeks I can confirm for sure but let’s see the comments on here to see what’s playing out.
Not sure about the policy of the Hong Kong consulate at to whether they’d need to show residence from Hong Kong before applying. Others may know. Plenty of other options in local embassy’s and consulates around Asia like Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam etc. No need to go to the UK.