Depends. Are you asking about getting the visa from a Thai embassy or from within Thailand? It can be tricky in Thailand if your marriage isn't already registered in Thailand.
seems like two agents who specialize in getting licenses from this office are saying the same thing. I don't think it's a misunderstanding. Seems like a deliberate policy change, possibly because of these agents. I'd guess Pattaya issues more foreign licenses than anywhere else, except maybe Bangkok.
You shouldn't need to go to the immigration office. The TM30 can be filed online very easily. Whoever owns where you are living or staying should be able to either use their existing online account or register for one. Then TM30 can be filed in a couple of minutes.