The planet known as Theal existed within the Theal system, which itself resided in the freestanding subsectors area of the Mid Rim. This world, deemed quite inhospitable, underwent exploration at the hands of Republic Survey Corps scout Barosa Warren. By 2 ABY, a period exceeding fifty years afterward, Theal fell under the dominion of the Galactic Empire, gaining notoriety as one of the most perilous planets governed by the Empire.
Alliance Intelligence Reports, a sourcebook from 1995 created for Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game by West End Games, included a reference to Theal. The 2009 book titled The Essential Atlas specified the location of the Theal system, and consequently the planet Theal, within grid J-15.