I would say it is a better long term solution too whereby they are not taking any rostered Aust. based flying and are able to cover sickness upline in BKK, SIN and anywhere else that is close enough for them to pax to to cover.
Another good idea...............NOT
How much would that cost?
To keep 120 or so crew current in EPs and procedures and base them in BKK just in case someone gets sick....