ASOS Co-Founder's Tragic Death in Thailand Follows Fraud Conviction and Legal Turmoil
Quentin Griffiths, the 58-year-old co-founder of the global online fashion retailer ASOS, fell to his death from the 17th floor of his apartment in Pattaya, Thailand, on February 9. This tragic incident occurred just weeks after he had been convicted of fraud, according to recent reports.
Fraud Conviction and Legal Proceedings
Mr Griffiths was convicted of fraud last October and sentenced to 18 months in prison by a Thai court. The conviction stemmed from allegations that he falsified documents to fraudulently remove his ex-wife, Ploy Kringsinthanakun, 43, as director of a company used to hold property for a family home. The fraud was estimated to be worth around £500,000.
Police Chief Lt Col Worapoj Lallitjirakul confirmed to The Sun newspaper that the court had handed down the sentence on October 21. Mr Griffiths had reportedly appealed the conviction, which under Thai law allowed him to remain free pending the appeal process. He was due to meet with his ex-wife's lawyers this month in an attempt to avoid prison, but died just two days before the scheduled meeting.
It has now emerged that Mr Griffiths was arrested at Bangkok airport on January 15 last year after flying from London. He had been under investigation by Thai police for the alleged fraud at the company he ran with Ms Kringsinthanakun.
Custody Battle Erupts After Death
In the wake of his death, a bitter custody battle has erupted over the couple's two children, aged 12 and 11. Ms Kringsinthanakun has launched legal proceedings to regain custody after the children were handed over to their paternal relatives following Mr Griffiths' passing.
Her lawyers have stated that she and Mr Griffiths shared court-ordered joint custody of the children, and that the current situation directly contravenes that order. In a statement released by her counsel, Ms Kringsinthanakun expressed profound concern for her children's safety and emotional well-being.
'My children have already suffered the devastating loss of their father. At a time when they most need the comfort, love, and stability of their mother, I have been prevented from being with them,' she said. 'I am pleading with those who currently have my children — please do the right thing and return them to me immediately so we can begin to heal as a family.'
Mystery Surrounding the Death
The circumstances surrounding Mr Griffiths' death remain unclear. A source close to the family described it as 'a real mystery,' noting that the phrase 'suspicious circumstances' has been used but nothing is confirmed. Ms Kringsinthanakun has stated she played no role in his death and that they had not been in contact for four years and eight months after discovering he had been unfaithful.
She learned of his death from his lawyer and, in a state of shock, checked local Pattaya news but found no immediate reports. Mr Griffiths' girlfriend at the time of the tragedy, 26-year-old Jom Thipanongsri, expressed shock and disbelief, telling The Sun she never saw any warning signs that he might take his own life.
'No one close to him ever thought he would take his own life, because no one saw any warning signs at all,' she said. 'And personally I never saw him taking antidepressants or any other medication.'
Ms Thipanongsri added that she has been heartbroken and in complete shock since his death, crying every day. The investigation into Mr Griffiths' death continues as his ex-wife fights for custody of their children amidst this complex and tragic situation.
