What is the difference between TM87 and TM7 forms for visa applications in Thailand?

Okay, let's sort this train wreck out

IF you showed up here on a tourist visa <- where stamped in for 60 days and then wanted to switch that to another Non-Immigrant Type visa (O, ED, B, etc) inside the country you would use form TM86 <- change of visa type <- because you were on a tourist visa but now wanted a Non-Immigrant type one

Where as

IF you showed up here on a visa exempt entry <- the FREE stamp people get when you enter thailand without a visa and wanted to get a Non-Immigrant Type visa (O, ED, B, etc) you would use form TM87 <-application for visa as you're not on any visa from that free entry stamp and you wanted a Non-Immigrant Type one (for what ever reason)

If you were talking about YEARLY extensions based on marriage to a thai, having a thai child etc, you first convert to a 90 day Non-O visa and then get the year extension 2 months later.

However as you stated you were just talking about the 60 day "visit thai family" extension and for that you would use the TM7 application for extension form..

You sure there wasn't a "lost in translation" as far as what you were asking them about?

TM87 is the form to apply for an in-country visa. Not for an extension, TM7.

quick answer: What do you want and what type of visa do you have?

What did they saying it was for ?

What were you asking for ?

The TM 87 is...

APPLICATION FOR VISA (TM.87)

The TM 7 is ..

APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY STAY IN THE KINGDOM (TM.7)

You say you asked about Family Extension

Were you wanting to apply for the 60 day Family Visit Extension of Stay ?