British Retail Pioneer Dies in Pattaya Incident
Quentin Griffiths, 58, the British entrepreneur who co-founded online fashion giant ASOS, has died after falling from the 17th floor of his condominium in the Thai resort city of Pattaya on 9 February 2026, local police confirmed. Griffiths’ body was discovered on the ground outside the building, and initial investigations suggest that no foul play was involved.
Thai authorities said CCTV footage showed no one else entering his apartment, which Griffiths lived in alone, and the door was locked from the inside. His body was subsequently sent for a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of the fall.
Early Success: From ‘As Seen on Screen’ to Global Fashion Powerhouse
Born in the United Kingdom, Griffiths helped launch what would become ASOS in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson, Andrew Regan, and Deborah Thorpe. The company, originally named “As Seen on Screen”, aimed to sell fashion pieces inspired by costumes worn in film and television. It was later rebranded simply as ASOS and rapidly expanded into a global online retailer.
Under Griffiths’ early stewardship — he served as marketing director until 2005 — ASOS defied the collapse of many web startups after the dot-com bust and emerged as a cornerstone of British e-commerce. The brand eventually attracted millions of active customers in over 150 markets worldwide and became valued in the multi-billion-pound range at its peak.
After leaving his executive role, Griffiths remained a significant shareholder in the company for years before pursuing other entrepreneurial ventures, including online furniture and ethical clothing platforms.
Circumstances of the Fall and Ongoing Investigations
Police in Pattaya indicated the circumstances surrounding Griffiths’ death appeared to point to an apparent suicide, though investigations and the full autopsy will ultimately determine the official cause. No signs of a struggle or forced entry were found, and initial reports did not suggest any third-party involvement.
Sources cited by Thai police and the BBC suggest Griffiths may have been under personal strain at the time, including worries about ongoing legal disputes with his former Thai wife. Reports indicate that documents relating to these disagreements were discovered within his apartment.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has stated it is in contact with Thai authorities and offering support to Griffiths’ family as the investigation continues.
Legacy and Reflections on a Transformative Career
Griffiths’ role in ASOS’ foundation helped shape the early trajectory of online fashion retail — a sector that now dominates global shopping habits. The company’s rapid growth and brand recognition, at times worn by high-profile figures and celebrities, marked a shift in how fashion was marketed and consumed worldwide.
Beyond ASOS, Griffiths’ further entrepreneurial efforts, including ethical fashion and e-commerce projects, reflected a continued engagement with evolving online markets even after his departure from the company.
Peers and industry observers have noted that his passing — sudden and shrouded in unresolved questions — underscores the pressures often faced by founders whose early success casts a long professional and personal shadow.
Support for Family and Next Steps
Thai authorities are continuing their inquiry as they await the full autopsy results, which may take weeks or months. The UK government’s diplomatic mission has pledged ongoing support for Griffiths’ surviving family, including contact with local investigators and assistance through consular channels.
As tributes and remembrances emerge from the global fashion and digital-retail communities, attention remains focused on understanding both the legacy of Griffiths’ contributions and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
