| 1979 Thomas Cup qualification | |
| Dates: | 27 August 1978 – 25 February 1979 |
| Location: | Asian zone: Kuala Lumpur American zone: Lima Ottawa European zone: Brussels Carlisle Haarlem Heerlen Oslo Sunderland Umeå Australasian zone: Invercargill Perth |
| Previous: | 1976 |
| Next: | 1982 |
The qualifying process for the 1979 Thomas Cup took place from 27 August 1978 to 25 February 1979 to decide the final teams which will play in the final tournament.
The qualification process is divided into four regions, the Asian Zone, the American Zone, the European Zone and the Australasian Zone. Teams in their respective zone will compete in a knockout format. Teams will compete for two days, with two singles and doubles played on the first day and three singles and two doubles played on the next day. The teams that win their respective zone will earn a place in the final tournament to be held in Jakarta.[1]
Indonesia qualified for the inter-zone play-offs as defending champions and hosts.[1]
| Country | Qualified as | Qualified on | Final appearance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Thomas Cup winners | 5 June 1976 | 8th | ||
| Asian Zone winners | 25 February 1979 | 4th | ||
| European Zone winners | 18 February 1979 | 11th | ||
| American Zone winners | 14 January 1979 | 4th | ||
| Australasian Zone winners | 24 September 1978 | 3rd |
In the first round of the Asian zone, the tie between Singapore and Sri Lanka was not played due to both teams withdrawing their affiliation with the International Badminton Federation. The two teams were consequently scratched from the competition. Pakistan also withdrew their affiliation to the IBF and was also scratched from the competition. In May 1978, the IBF banned their members from taking part in any badminton events sanctioned by the World Badminton Federation, which was a rival and opposition to the IBF.[2] The IBF also barred their members from taking part in the 1978 WBF World Championships in Bangkok.[3]
Thailand were due to play the winners of the India-Pakistan tie. It was later revealed that the Thai team were excluded from the competition and India would directly face Malaysia in the Asian zone final. Phiensak Sosothikul, who was the General Secretary of the Badminton Association of Thailand at the time, received a letter from the IBF, requesting them to declare which badminton federation they officially recognized. The IBF also warned the Thai association that recognition of the WBF would result in a total ban from participating in the Thomas Cup.[4]
The final of the American zone between Canada and Mexico was cancelled when the Mexican team pulled out of the competition because the team was not ready. Therefore, Canada advanced to the final tournament.[5]