Asos co-founder Quentin Griffiths dies after fall in Thailand

Quentin Griffiths, the British co-founder of online fashion retailer Asos, has died after falling from a high-rise apartment building in Pattaya, according to local reports.

Griffiths, 58, is reported to have fallen from the 17th floor of his condominium. Emergency services attended the scene and confirmed his death.

Thai police said there were no immediate signs of disturbance inside the apartment but added that investigations are ongoing and foul play has not been ruled out pending further forensic analysis. Authorities said a full post-mortem examination would be required to establish the exact cause of death.

The circumstances surrounding the fall remain unclear. A source close to the family told The Sun that the situation was being described as “suspicious”, though no official determination has been made.

Griffiths had reportedly been involved in a legal dispute with his former Thai spouse over business assets. Last year, he was questioned by police following allegations that he had forged documents to sell land and shares in a jointly operated company. He denied the allegations and was released after questioning. Reports indicate the investigation was continuing at the time of his death.

Born in London, Griffiths co-founded Asos in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson and Andrew Regan. The company grew into a global online fashion retailer valued at around £3bn at its peak, with high-profile figures including the Princess of Wales and Michelle Obama among those to have worn its own-label designs.

Griffiths stepped down from Asos in 2005 after serving as marketing director. He later realised significant gains from share sales, reportedly making around £15m in 2010 and receiving further windfalls in subsequent years.

In later years, he pursued legal action against accountancy firm BDO, alleging incorrect tax advice had resulted in a multi-million-pound liability linked to share disposals in Asos and Achica, another online retail venture he co-founded.

Griffiths had lived in Thailand for more than a decade. He is understood to have been the father of three children.

Business Matters has contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for comment.

Investigations by Thai authorities are continuing.

Paul Jones

Harvard alumni and former New York Times journalist. Editor of Business Matters for over 15 years, the UKs largest business magazine. I am also head of Capital Business Media’s automotive division working for clients such as Red Bull Racing, Honda, Aston Martin and Infiniti.