Asos Co-Founder Quentin Griffiths Dies in Thailand Fall
Asos has paid tribute to Quentin Griffiths, one of its original co-founders, after he fell to his death from a building in Thailand. The online fashion retailer expressed sadness over the passing of Griffiths, who was 58 years old, and acknowledged his significant role in the company's early development.
Details of the Incident in Pattaya
The British national reportedly plunged from an 18-floor complex in Pattaya, a seaside city south of Bangkok, on February 9. Emergency services discovered his body on the ground below his balcony. Police informed the BBC that Griffiths was alone at the time, with his room locked from the inside, and there was no evidence of a break-in. A post-mortem examination revealed no signs of foul play, adding to the mystery surrounding his death.
Ongoing Legal Dispute with Ex-Wife
The tragedy occurs amidst an alleged ongoing dispute with his Thai ex-wife, who accused him of stealing £500,000 from a joint business venture. Last year, Griffiths was arrested and questioned by detectives after she claimed he forged documents to sell land and shares without her knowledge. He denied these allegations and was released after questioning, but the investigation was still active at the time of his death. A source close to the family described the situation as "a real mystery".
Griffiths' Role in Asos and Later Life
Griffiths helped launch Asos in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson and Andrew Regan, serving as marketing director until 2005. The company grew into a £3 billion global retailer, with notable figures like the Princess of Wales and Michelle Obama wearing its designs. After leaving Asos, he made £15 million from share sales in 2010 and received additional stock windfalls in 2013. He later sued his accountants at BDO, alleging incorrect tax advice that cost him over £4 million on sales of shares in Asos and Achica, another online retailer he co-founded.
Following his divorce from his first wife, Griffiths moved to Thailand around 2007, married a Thai woman, and had two children before they separated. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is supporting his family and is in contact with local authorities regarding his death.
