The study examined three periods of state educational development policies: 1932-1959, 1959-1973 and 1973-1992, and analyzed the policies for Muslim Thais in the southern border provinces based on the State Trinity Framework. The study findings revealed that southern Muslim communities are unique in their race, religion, language and culture. Having a strong culture enabled them to have political power to negotiate with the Thai state. Although the policies were based on the “security dimension”, the “development and participation dimensions” were also incorporated during the 1932-1959 period and they played a major part in defining and implementing the policies during the 1959-1992 period. When the highest institution was involved in development, state-initiated development principles were welcomed by local Muslim residents, enabling the “State Trinity” principle to evolve.