Little information immigration and visa exemption.

A friend of mine was taken to the infamous room at BKK airport because he was entered on visa exemption quite often this year. Immigration gave him the warning and told him it is ok for then if he stays no longer than 5 MONTHS and 2 WEEKS in each calendar year on visa exemption.

Edit: he entered on the 27th october 2025 and they demanded he has to buy a return ticket to Italy on 7th april 2026. He actually wanted to leave 10th of april 2026 but thy insisted it has to be the 7th. And they also insisted it needs to be a return ticket to Italy and not an onward ticket.

How long before my 180 days is over should I go over to the immigration for extension? Is there a time limit?

Can someone tell me if the 180 stay is from January to January or 365 days from the day you enter? I was there November to January 21st then came back in March for 60 days, did a border run and was the for 136 days this year. Thanks for your help.