It is a clump-forming epiphyte with flattened pseudobulbs, each with a single strap-shaped leaf.

This orchid is found from Thailand to Malesia, including on Christmas Island.

Thelasis capitata is an epiphytic herb with thin roots and flattened pseudobulbs 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) long and wide.

[2][3] Thelasis capitata was first formally described in 1825 by Carl Ludwig Blume who published the description in Bijdragen tot de flora van Nederlandsch Indië.

[4][5] The specific epithet (capitata) is a Latin word meaning "having a head".