The Chinese Government now require farangs to complete two new forms comprising six pages when they apply for a visitor's visa. That's form 2011A and form 2011B. These are available for download from the internet or to pick up from the embassy. Cost of a six month multi-entry visa remains at Baht 2,200 for all farangs, except USA citizens. One passport size photo is required.

Nearest underground station to embassy is Rama 9.

Yep. US citizens get shafted on the price of Chinese Visas. I guess they want to make sure they get some cash in case the US goes belly up.

The visa cost (US Citizen) for a single to 1 year multiple entry visa is JPY 15k or about 5.9k baht

I did such visa last week (only 1100 THB for a single entry). YOU NEVER WAIT, it's well organized with enough windows.

The form B is to be sure you have a valid visa when you come back to Thailand. In the past, it was the airlines which was checking that.