Is it a case of split personality or mass delusion?
Otherwise, how can people who say they uphold a certain set of values pursue or endorse actions that are the complete opposite?
The psychology of the ruling elites and their salim supporters is indeed intriguing.
The group may see great variations in terms of ideology, political background and agenda but, broadly speaking, these are people who doubt the merit of democracy and have thus become ardent supporters of the military regime.
Mentally, the base largely identifies with values of "good'' or "noble'' people as exemplified by His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
These people adore the late King's dedication to improving people's livelihoods.
Known as the "Development Monarch", King Rama IX travelled to some of the remotest corners in the country in his attempt to reach out to the poor, the underprivileged and marginalised groups in Thailand.
Images of his sitting among rural villagers, maps in hands and a camera around his neck, are iconic of his reign.
Here was the righteous King who showed he loved and cared for his people no matter their religious or political backgrounds.
The reverence is such that portraits of the late King Rama IX are still seen at rallies by pro-monarchy groups.
Throughout his reign, King Bhumibol emphasised the need for compromise and harmony.
It is understood that these are the ideals that will always be associated with the royal institution as His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn vowed to carry on his father's legacy.
Among King Bhumibol's most memorable speeches was the one broadcast nationwide after the deadly clash between protesters and the military in May 1992.
"Thailand does not belong to one or two people, but to everyone. We have to reach out to one another, not to be intent on confrontation. We have to solve the problem. It's dangerous when we get carried away and treat one another with violence.''
"What is the point of claiming a victory when the victor will be standing on a pile of debris," the King said as he reminded the rival parties of the damage political conflicts inflict on the country.
The late King's every word seems to contrast with what the powers-that-be -- all avowed defenders of the throne -- are doing in their handling of the current political conflict.
Where the late King said the country belongs to everyone, many supporters of the government are fond of telling anti-government protesters and people who ask for reforms of the monarchy to get out of Thailand.
Where the late King said it's important to reach out to one another and not become intent on confrontation, we saw footage of police officers chasing after anti-government protesters and beating them up even when they were down.
Some protesters might have provoked the officers by throwing objects at them and breaching the wall of containers. But could the firing of rubber bullets, some of which hit members of the press, be justified under the circumstance?
Defending the use of force against the protesters, the government and their supporters often cite the need to enforce the law strictly.
What they have never questioned, however, is whether the law was just in the first place and whether it was fairly applied.
This is what the late King whom many of them look up to as their hero said.
"As I said before, justice is more than what is said in the law. The law is a system of laying down rules so that people can behave rightfully. But justice is higher than that. Justice demands that people do what is right even if no rules have been written about it, and to refrain from everything that is vile."
Is justice being seen to be done in cases of anti-government protesters charged with lese majeste who have been refused bail even though their trials have not even started?
Indeed, the late King himself famously said in his annual birthday speech in 2005 that the monarch could be criticised.
He also suggested that the use of the lese majeste law be curbed as it ended up hurting the King the most. "Saying that the king can do no wrong is very much an insult to the King. It shows that they do not regard the King as a human being," the late King said.
But the very people who profess to be the late King's loyal followers are gleefully using the controversial law to suppress anti-government protests with many who questioned the royal institution, however earnestly, finding themselves imprisoned and under threat of long sentences.
This national state of hypocrisy is a disgrace. And even that's an understatement.
Atiya Achakulwisut is a Bangkok Post columnist.