The qualifying process for the 1982 Thomas Cup took place from 4 August 1981 to 4 April 1982 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 England.
Indonesia qualified for the inter-zone play-offs as defending champions and hosts. England qualified for their first ever appearance in the Thomas Cup as hosts.
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