The body of Asos co-founder Quentin Griffiths has been repatriated to the United Kingdom for his funeral, following his fatal fall from a high-rise apartment balcony in Thailand earlier this year. The 58-year-old entrepreneur, who helped establish the online fashion retail giant, plunged to his death from the 17th-floor of his residence in Pattaya on February 9.
Legal Troubles and Tragic Fall
At the time of his death, Griffiths was under investigation by Thai authorities regarding an alleged £500,000 fraud case involving the company he operated with his ex-wife, Ploy Kringsinthanakun, 43. According to reports, he had been convicted of fraud in October last year and received an 18-month prison sentence, but had appealed the decision under Thai legal provisions that allowed him to remain free during the appeal process.
Griffiths had been scheduled to meet with his ex-wife's legal representatives last month in an effort to avoid imprisonment, but tragically fell to his death just two days before this crucial meeting was due to take place. The incident occurred at the Elysium Residences in the Nong Prue subdistrict of Pattaya, a popular seaside destination located south of Bangkok.
Inquest Proceedings in Bournemouth
An inquest into Griffiths' death opened at Bournemouth Coroner's Court, where Senior Coroner Rachael Griffin heard that the cause of death was multiple injuries sustained in the fall. The court was informed that police and emergency services responded to reports of an unresponsive male at the apartment complex, with Griffiths being identified through comparison with his passport photograph.
Coroner's officer Nicola Muller provided details of the incident, stating that authorities were called to the Elysium residences on February 9 following reports of an unresponsive male. Investigation revealed that Griffiths had been alone in his apartment at the time, with the room locked from the inside and no evidence of forced entry or third-party involvement.
Post-Mortem Examinations and Investigation
Coroner Griffin confirmed that post-mortem examinations had been conducted both in Thailand and in the UK, with Dr Robert Blahut performing the British autopsy on March 2 at the Holly Tree Mortuary in Dorset. The examination determined the cause of death as multiple injuries, with no tissue samples retained for further analysis.
"I understand an investigation was undertaken in Thailand and there were no suspicious circumstances or third party involvement in his death, as far as we are aware," stated Coroner Griffin during the proceedings. Based on this information, she authorized the release of Griffiths' body to his family for funeral arrangements.
Background of Legal Dispute
The fraud allegations against Griffiths stemmed from accusations that he had falsified documents to fraudulently remove his ex-wife as director of a company established to hold property for their family home. Reports indicate that Griffiths was arrested at Bangkok airport in January last year after arriving on a flight from London.
According to court documents, Griffiths was born in London but had been living as a divorced entrepreneur in Thailand at the time of his death. The inquest heard that Thai authorities had completed their investigation into the incident and found no evidence of suspicious circumstances surrounding his demise.
Custody Battle Emerges
In a separate development, Griffiths' ex-wife Ploy Kringsinthanakun has initiated legal proceedings to regain custody of their two children, aged 12 and 11. The children were reportedly placed in the care of paternal relatives following Griffiths' death, despite existing court orders granting joint custody to both parents.
Kringsinthanakun's legal representatives have stated that the current arrangement directly contravenes standing court orders, with her counsel emphasizing: "Our client is profoundly concerned about the safety, emotional well-being, and stability of her children during this extremely difficult time. She is the children’s legal custodial parent and is seeking their immediate and safe return in accordance with the standing court order."
In a statement released through her lawyers, Kringsinthanakun expressed her distress: "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. 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."
Asos Legacy and Personal History
Quentin Griffiths co-founded Asos in 2000, playing a pivotal role in establishing what would become one of the UK's most successful online fashion retailers. Although he left the company five years after its founding, he remained a significant shareholder in the business. The company issued a statement following news of his death, acknowledging his contributions: "We're saddened to hear about the passing of Quentin, one of our original co-founders. He played an important role in Asos's earliest days, and we're forever grateful for his contribution. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Kringsinthanakun has stated that she had no contact with her ex-husband for nearly five years after discovering his infidelity, and she maintains she played no role in his death. The tragic incident occurred shortly before their scheduled court appearance regarding the ongoing legal matters between them.
The inquest has been adjourned with a pre-inquest review hearing scheduled for September. Coroner Griffin indicated that her office would need to obtain documentation from Thai authorities and liaise with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as part of the continuing investigation. Statements from Griffiths' family members will also be sought to assist with the inquest proceedings.
