Work Permit In China

Hi,

I need to go to China frequently for work and, to be correct, would like to apply for work permit to prevent any un-toward experiences.

I am based in Bangkok, and have asked the team in China to sort out my visa / work permit. The told me today all is well, and I dont need to go in person to Australia ( Chinese Embassy in Australia ), but ....here it comes...drum roll............. I do need to pop all of my original documents (degree / passport etc ) in a envelope / courier bag and send them down to Melbourne.

As you can imagine, I am not too keen on this.

I have seen some people from TV selling their stuff and heading up to China, did they need to go to their home country too, or could they arrange this from Bangkok ?

Advice appreciated.