Have Thailand work visa. Have USA passport. Received job offer in China.

Hi. The Chinese school has emailed me a contract. I live in Thailand. The school says I must go to my home country USA to apply for Application for Residence Permit and Z visa. I was hoping that since I have a Thailand work permit I could skip going to USA. My Thailand work (Non-Immigrant B) permit expires in 9 days! Do I need to go to USA? Is it acceptable to go to China on different (ie: F, M, tourist) entry permit? Thank you very much for any help! Tom in Thailand