Asos Co-Founder Quentin Griffiths Dies in Tragic Fall in Thailand
Published 20 February 2026
Highlights
- Quentin Griffiths, co-founder of Asos, died after falling from a high-rise building in Pattaya, Thailand, on 9 February.
- Thai police reported no signs of foul play, suggesting possible suicide, with the apartment locked from the inside.
- Griffiths was involved in legal disputes with his former Thai wife, which may have contributed to his stress.
- Asos, initially known as As Seen On Screen, was co-founded by Griffiths in 2000 and became a major online fashion retailer.
- The UK Foreign Office is supporting Griffiths' family and is in contact with Thai authorities.
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Rewritten Article
Asos Co-Founder Quentin Griffiths Dies in Tragic Fall in Thailand
Quentin Griffiths, a pioneering figure in the online fashion industry and co-founder of Asos, has died following a fall from a high-rise apartment in Pattaya, Thailand. The incident occurred on 9 February, with local police confirming the 58-year-old's death and suggesting suicide as a potential cause.
Details of the Incident
Thai authorities reported that Griffiths fell from the 17th floor of an 18-storey condominium where he had been residing alone. Investigations revealed no signs of forced entry, and the apartment was locked from the inside. CCTV footage corroborated the absence of any other individuals entering his residence. An autopsy has been conducted, with results indicating no foul play.
Legal and Personal Challenges
Griffiths was reportedly under significant stress due to ongoing legal disputes with his former wife, a Thai national. Documents related to these lawsuits were discovered in his apartment. The couple had been separated, and the legal battles were believed to be a source of considerable anxiety for Griffiths.
Legacy in the Fashion Industry
Griffiths co-founded Asos in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson, Andrew Regan, and Deborah Thorpe. Initially launched as As Seen On Screen, the company quickly evolved into a leading online fashion retailer, known for its wide range of brands and celebrity-inspired fashion. Griffiths left Asos in 2005 but retained a substantial shareholding for several years. Beyond Asos, he ventured into other businesses, including the online furniture store Achica and the music-focused fashion retailer EBTM.
Community and Family Support
In response to Griffiths' passing, Asos expressed their condolences, acknowledging his vital contributions to the company's early success. The UK Foreign Office has also extended support to Griffiths' family, maintaining communication with local authorities in Thailand.
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Scenario Analysis
The tragic death of Quentin Griffiths raises questions about the pressures faced by entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in complex legal disputes. As investigations continue, the focus may shift to understanding the mental health challenges that can accompany high-stakes business environments. The incident also highlights the importance of support systems for expatriates dealing with personal and legal issues abroad. Moving forward, Asos and the broader fashion industry may reflect on Griffiths' legacy and the impact of his pioneering work in online retail.
Quentin Griffiths, a pioneering figure in the online fashion industry and co-founder of Asos, has died following a fall from a high-rise apartment in Pattaya, Thailand. The incident occurred on 9 February, with local police confirming the 58-year-old's death and suggesting suicide as a potential cause.
Details of the Incident
Thai authorities reported that Griffiths fell from the 17th floor of an 18-storey condominium where he had been residing alone. Investigations revealed no signs of forced entry, and the apartment was locked from the inside. CCTV footage corroborated the absence of any other individuals entering his residence. An autopsy has been conducted, with results indicating no foul play.
Legal and Personal Challenges
Griffiths was reportedly under significant stress due to ongoing legal disputes with his former wife, a Thai national. Documents related to these lawsuits were discovered in his apartment. The couple had been separated, and the legal battles were believed to be a source of considerable anxiety for Griffiths.
Legacy in the Fashion Industry
Griffiths co-founded Asos in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson, Andrew Regan, and Deborah Thorpe. Initially launched as As Seen On Screen, the company quickly evolved into a leading online fashion retailer, known for its wide range of brands and celebrity-inspired fashion. Griffiths left Asos in 2005 but retained a substantial shareholding for several years. Beyond Asos, he ventured into other businesses, including the online furniture store Achica and the music-focused fashion retailer EBTM.
Community and Family Support
In response to Griffiths' passing, Asos expressed their condolences, acknowledging his vital contributions to the company's early success. The UK Foreign Office has also extended support to Griffiths' family, maintaining communication with local authorities in Thailand.
What this might mean
The tragic death of Quentin Griffiths raises questions about the pressures faced by entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in complex legal disputes. As investigations continue, the focus may shift to understanding the mental health challenges that can accompany high-stakes business environments. The incident also highlights the importance of support systems for expatriates dealing with personal and legal issues abroad. Moving forward, Asos and the broader fashion industry may reflect on Griffiths' legacy and the impact of his pioneering work in online retail.
