I've thought exactly the same thing many times, you would expect them all to be reading from the same government rule book so to speak, I've had dealings with land and transport offices, they are the same make up their own rules. 🤷
I've heard at certain immigration offices, a TM30 is not one of the requirements for a tourist visa extension, but he is doing it at jomtien immigration, and you do need a recent TM30 already in the system when you go to do the extension, or you will get a fine.
just go to jomtien immigration everything you need you can get there, you need actual photos because you attach one to the TM7 application form, go first thing in morning or afternoon because they close for dinner, there are visa agents there that can help you if you're struggling.
I got told there have been recent changes in the rules at jomtien immigration, if you just turn up and don't have a TM30 in the system, you will get a ฿2000 fine, they might phone his landlord, but you can bet he will pay the fine.
if you're thinking about buying land or property in the future, make sure you speak to a lawyer/solicitor, a usufruct for the land is probably your best option, because foreigners cannot buy land outright. I suppose a knock down house is a good idea because you could just take it with you if you wanted to move.
do you know why they stopped doing the TM6 when arriving by plane into an airport, but decided to continue with the TM6 at land borders?? I'm Just curious, doesn't seem to make any sense.
the agent was assisting me with opening a bank account because I couldn't do it myself with being on a tourist visa, I just decided to do the conversation of my driving licenses at the same time, I just thought it would be a lot easier tbh, rather than trying to navigate through the Thai bureaucracy.