Just to contribute some trivia (but real life 1) on thai FLs doing their HK tour..
I personally 3 Bkk FLs (ex Spassos, Hyatt) who have done HK for 1-2 month stints. 2 were newbies to HK, tempted by other more seasoned campaigner. Sure, cost of living shocked the 2 with cramped squatting conditions.
Bunk beds, share cigarettes, diet mostly instant noodles (in lean times). Lingo a barrier unless tanked up with booze to be more bold with english. Not sure if money was good, but they still pokai not long after... Guess moral of story is the grass may not be greener on for some cows
