‘Because he’s round and Asian!’ Thai news site uses Roque GIF in COVID-19 reminder

MANILA, Philippines — A Thai news website said it used a GIF of presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in reminding the public of minimum health protocols on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) “because he’s round and Asian.”

In a tweet on Saturday evening, Thai Enquirer reminded its followers on Twitter to follow minimum health protocols such as washing of hands, wearing a face mask, and observing social distancing.

Attached to the tweet was a GIF of Roque during one of his press briefings.

We're all in this together so we would just like to remind everyone reading to

1. Wash your hands constantly
2. Always wear a mask
3. Socially Distance

Listen to government announcements and do not take unnecessary risks. #โควิด19 #โควิดสมุทรสาคร pic.twitter.com/WfzMfbEgDw

— Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) December 19, 2020

“Listen to government announcements and do not take unnecessary risks,” Thai Enquirer said in the tweet.

However, on Sunday morning, Thai Enquirer replied to the same tweet, saying that “[w]e have no idea who this person is.”

We used the gif because he’s round and Asian!!

— Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) December 20, 2020

“We used the gif because he’s round and Asian!!” Thai Enquirer said.

We used the gif because he’s round and Asian!!

— Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) December 20, 2020

INQUIRER.net has sought a comment from Roque but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time.

According to its Twitter bio, Thai Enquirer is a site that focuses on “[c]ommentary, criticisms and news from a Thai perspective.”

EDV