British Co Founder of Global Online Fashion Retailer ASOS Dies in Condominium Fall in Pattaya

Pattaya, Thailand-

Quentin Griffiths, the 58-year-old British co-founder of the global online fashion retailer ASOS, died after falling from the 17th floor of a condominium in Pattaya, Thailand earlier this month.

Thai police confirmed that Griffiths, a British national, was found dead on the ground below the balcony of his residence in the seaside resort city on February 9th. Authorities responded to the scene after reports of the incident and identified the deceased through investigation. Originally, the event had little local press coverage until UK media picked up on the identity of the victim.

An autopsy conducted following the discovery showed no signs of foul play or external injuries suggesting assault, according to police statements reported in Thai media. Initial inquiries indicate the fall was likely self-inflicted, though the exact circumstances remain under review. The door to his suite was reportedly locked from the inside with a double lock, supporting that he was alone at the time. Thai police said CCTV footage from the condo showed nobody else entering or exiting Mr. Griffith’s room during the time period in question.

Griffiths co-founded ASOS in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson and others, originally launching it as “As Seen on Screen” before rebranding in 2003. The company grew into one of the world’s leading fast-fashion e-commerce platforms. He left the business in 2005 but retained a significant shareholding. After departing ASOS, Griffiths pursued other ventures, including online furniture and ethical clothing initiatives. He had been residing in Thailand since around 2007.

Friends and reports in international coverage noted that Griffiths had been involved in ongoing legal disputes, including court cases related to his former Thai wife, which may have contributed to personal stress in recent times. He had a son and daughter from his marriage. Thai police noted that there was no evidence of the former Thai wife being present at any time during the fall or in the condo, according to CCTV and security guards present, seemingly responding to some conspiracy theories stated on social media.

Police continue to investigate the incident as standard procedure for such cases, but preliminary findings point away from criminal involvement. The news has drawn attention in UK outlets due to Griffiths’ prominence in the international retail sector and his long-term presence in the country.

Tragically, incidents of individuals falling or jumping from high-rise condominiums are unfortunately not uncommon in Pattaya, a popular seaside resort city with a large expat and tourist population living in towering residential buildings.

Local Thai media including us at The Pattaya News and police reports frequently document such cases, often involving foreigners, particularly older men, who plunge from balconies or windows, with jumping from heights cited as a common method among non-Thai suicides in the area.

Police investigations typically find no signs of foul play in many instances, with factors like personal stress, health issues, financial difficulties, or relationship problems often emerging as contributing elements, though distinguishing between suicide, accident, or rare foul play remains challenging.

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.