Originally Posted by GagaPilot

Agreed probably not the case here - but if it’s a route where there are no possible connections that adhere to the rules you quoted, then it is allowed to simply use one instrument. For example: the domestic connection 4 hour rule can’t be enforced on certain winter travel days out of ANC due to reduced service. Living in ANC I’ve experienced this multiple times where I fly ANC-SEA-ATL-XXX. During certain days it’s not possible to construct an itinerary without a connection greater than 4 hours in SEA.

Again unlikely here in OPs case for the routing to HKT, but it is a loophole to consider if on the off chance they can find a valid travel date that only has options greater than 24 hours for international travel then they could utilize a single GUC.

Easier to take advantage of this in domestic travel, but you never know.