The former spouse of ASOS co-founder Quentin Griffiths has initiated a legal custody dispute for their two children following his mysterious and tragic death in Thailand. Griffiths, aged 58 and originally from London, reportedly fell from the 17th floor of his condominium in Pattaya on February 9, with police treating the incident as a suicide.
Investigation and Circumstances of the Death
Emergency services discovered the millionaire's body on the ground below his balcony. Authorities stated that Griffiths was alone at the time, with his room locked from the inside and no evidence of a break-in. A post-mortem examination found no signs of foul play, reinforcing the suicide classification by local police.
Custody Dispute Emerges
In the aftermath, his ex-wife Ploy Kringsinthanakun, 43, is now fighting to regain custody of their children, aged 12 and 11, after they were placed with paternal relatives. Her legal team has emphasized that Kringsinthanakun and Griffiths shared court-ordered joint custody, and the current arrangement violates that order.
Our client is profoundly concerned about the safety, emotional well-being, and stability of her children during this extremely difficult time, her lawyers said. 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 by her counsel, 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.
Background of Allegations and Legal Issues
Griffiths' death occurred amid an alleged ongoing dispute with his ex-wife, who accused him of fraudulently selling land and shares worth £500,000 from a company they operated together. In January, Griffiths was reportedly arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and questioned by detectives after Kringsinthanakun alleged he forged documents to sell assets without her knowledge.
Griffiths denied these allegations and was released after questioning. The investigation was still active at the time of his death, according to reports. Kringsinthanakun has stated she played no role in his death, which happened just days before their next scheduled court appearance.
Personal Relationships and Reactions
Kringsinthanakun revealed that she and Griffiths had not been in contact for four years and eight months after discovering his infidelity. She learned of his death from his lawyer and, in shock, checked local Pattaya news but found no information initially.
A source close to the family commented on the death: It's a real mystery. The phrase 'suspicious circumstances' has been used but we just don't know yet.
Griffiths' girlfriend at the time, Jom Thipanongsri, 26, expressed her disbelief to The Sun: I just can't believe he would do something like that. No one close to him ever thought he would take his own life, because no one saw any warning signs at all. And personally I never saw him taking antidepressants or any other medication. She added that she is heartbroken, in complete shock, and has cried daily since his death.
Griffiths' Career and Legacy
Quentin Griffiths helped launch ASOS in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson and Andrew Regan, remaining with the company until 2005. The firm grew into a £3 billion global retailer, with notable figures like the Princess of Wales and Michelle Obama wearing its designs. A former advertising executive, he stepped down as marketing director after four years.
He later made £15 million from share sales in 2010 and received additional stock windfalls in 2013. The father-of-three relocated to Thailand around 2007. In a statement, ASOS said: 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.
