Asos co-founder dies after balcony fall in Thailand

Quentin Griffiths, a co-founder and significant shareholder of online fashion retailer asos, was found dead after falling from a high-rise apartment block in Pattaya on 9 February. Thai police named Griffiths and said his death, discovered outside a luxury hotel where he was a long-term resident, is being investigated; an autopsy did not reveal evidence of foul play.

Asos co-founder found in Pattaya

Thai police identified Quentin Griffiths as the man discovered on the ground outside a luxury hotel in the eastern seaside city of Pattaya on 9 February. Officers said he had been staying long term in a suite on the 17th floor and was found by himself. The room was locked from the inside and police reported no trace of break-ins at the scene.

Griffiths co-founded asos in 2000 and, after leaving the firm five years later, remained a significant shareholder. He originally helped build the business that sold fashion inspired by clothing worn on TV and in films and later expanded into a broad online marketplace carrying hundreds of brands and its own lines.

Police findings and autopsy

A police investigator said the autopsy did not reveal any evidence of foul play. Officials noted the locked room and lack of forced entry as part of the initial findings. A Foreign Office spokesperson said family support was being provided and that local authorities were in contact with the family of the British national who died.

An Asos spokesperson issued a statement expressing sadness at Griffiths's death and noting his role in the company’s earliest days. The statement said he played an important role in Asos's earliest days and conveyed condolences to his family and friends.

Legal disputes and personal matters

Police told investigators Griffiths had been involved in two ongoing court cases that might have caused him stress. He was separated from his second wife, a Thai national, and had reportedly been engaged in a legal dispute with her over a business they ran together. Those matters were cited by police as potentially relevant to his state of mind, though investigators have not declared a cause beyond the autopsy finding no evidence of foul play.

Griffiths co-founded the business with Nick Robertson, Andrew Regan and Deborah Thorpe. The company at one time was valued at more than £6bn, and its largest shareholders have included prominent private investors and owners in the fashion sector.

• Found dead outside a Pattaya luxury hotel on 9 February; suite was on the 17th floor.
• Room reportedly locked from the inside; autopsy found no evidence of foul play.
• Griffiths co-founded asos in 2000 and remained a significant shareholder after leaving five years later.

Analysis and forward look: investigators have highlighted the locked room, lack of forced entry and the autopsy result as central factual indicators. If the ongoing court cases remain active, police have suggested they may have contributed to stress in Griffiths's personal life. Officials continue routine inquiries to confirm circumstances while the family receives consular support.