A border bounce (leave then re-enter Thailand with visa-exempt stamp) gets another 30 days. It's not a visa nor is it an extension. But they do have the option to get a 30-day extension by going to Thai immigration and paying 1900 baht. Wondering where they saw these "conflicting reports".
Every year when you apply for extension of stay based on marriage to Thai you have to go back to the district (Amphoe) office with your marriage certificate and get letter of verification.
So true, Thailand immigration offices are not like McDonald's where everything is the same everywhere. Specific policies, requirements, rules may (and often do) vary from one office to another. Some may have the McRib and Happy Meal, while others don't. ð
The mistake was not with the IO, it was with your BF not showing the tourist visa. Always check the stamped-in date before proceeding. Yeah I know - nag nag nag ð
The Nation touting the re-opening of land border between Nong Khai and Vientiane, but no mention if that includes foreigners or just Thai/Laos people and if it's bi-directional. Clear as mud once again. ð