Mystery surrounds Asos co-founder’s death in fall from Thai apartment building

Quentin Griffiths, the co-founder of the Asos fashion website, died after falling from an 18-storey apartment building in Pattaya, Thailand, on 9 February 2026. According to an inquest, he was alone at the time of the incident. Dorset Coroner Rachael Griffin stated during a pre-inquest review that the available evidence indicated he was the sole occupant of the apartment when the fatal fall occurred. The coroner noted that the cause of the fall, whether intentional or accidental, remains under investigation. The inquest revealed that the police report, which was translated, contained only brief details regarding the circumstances of Mr Griffiths' death. A translated post-mortem report was also provided, but both documents offered limited insight into the events leading up to his demise. Ms Griffin emphasized the difficulty of conducting a thorough investigation due to the location of the incident. She explained that the level of inquiry possible is influenced by where the death occurred, and that additional efforts are being made to obtain more information from Thai authorities through the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Mr Griffiths, 58, lived in Pattaya, a seaside city located south of Bangkok. He was known for co-founding Asos in 2000, creating an online platform for fashion enthusiasts to purchase clothing at discounted prices. The company released a statement expressing their sadness over his passing, acknowledging his significant contributions to the early success of Asos. They extended their condolences to his family and friends. During the inquest, Ms Griffin highlighted the challenge of relying solely on translated documents and stressed the importance of sourcing information from credible channels. She warned against considering unverified rumors, emphasizing the need for factual accuracy in the investigation. The coroner adjourned the inquest for a follow-up hearing scheduled for 25 March 2027, allowing more time for the FCDO and Mr Griffiths’ family to gather further details about his death. It was also reported that Mr Griffiths was engaged in legal disputes with his former wife, Ploy Kringsinthanakun. She alleged that he had stolen £500,000 worth of shares and land from her company. In response to these claims, she denied any involvement in his death, stating that she resided in Bangkok and was not present in Pattaya at the time of the incident. She expressed disbelief at the suggestion of any connection between her actions and his tragic fate. The police confirmed that Mr Griffiths was found alone in his apartment, with the door locked from the inside. There was no indication of forced entry, suggesting that the situation was not the result of a break-in. Despite these findings, the nature of the fall, whether accidental or intentional, remains unresolved. The coroner acknowledged the emotional impact of the case, noting that the death came as a complete surprise to those close to him. As the investigation continues, the FCDO is working alongside Mr Griffiths’ family to secure more comprehensive information from Thai authorities. The outcome of the inquest will likely depend on the availability of additional evidence, which could clarify the circumstances surrounding his death. Until then, the mystery of how Mr Griffiths met his untimely end persists.