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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Megan Howe

Girlfriend of Asos founder who plunged to death in Thailand speaks out: ‘I can’t believe he’d kill himself’

The devastated girlfriend of ASOS co-founder Quentin Griffiths, who plunged to his death in Thailand, has spoken out about the tragedy.

Mr Griffiths, 58, fell from his 17th-floor condo and was found dead on the ground in the eastern seaside city of Pattaya on February 9.

Police did not find any evidence of a disturbance inside the apartment and Mr Griffiths’ room was locked from the inside, Thai police said.

An autopsy did not reveal any evidence of foul play.

The tragedy came amid two ongoing court cases that may have caused Mr Griffiths stress, police said. It is understood the millionaire was engaged in an ongoing dispute with his second wife, 43-year-old Ploy Kringsinthanakun, from which he was separated, over a business they ran together.

Ms Kringsinthanakun has denied any involvement in Mr Griffiths’ death and police are treating it as a suspected suicide.

Speaking out about the tragedy, Mr Griffiths’ 26-year-old girlfriend, Jom Thipanongsri, said she was in “complete shock” when she heard the news and had been “crying every day since”.

Ms Thipanongsri, who runs a nail salon in Pattaya, told The Sun: “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.”

The couple met a few years ago and started dating after the collapse of Mr Griffiths’ second marriage.

“He was a special person, my hero — I love him so much and miss him every single day,” she added.

Ms Thipanongsri went on to say “I can’t believe he’d kill himself,” according to The Sun, but noted Mr Griffiths had been showing some signs of stress, although he had not told her the details of his ongoing court case.

The Elysium Complex in Pattaya where ASOS founder Quentin Griffiths died (Google)

The businesswoman claimed Mr Griffiths was going to take his children, of which he had custody, to see their mother.

Mr Griffiths co-founded Asos in 2000 and remained a significant shareholder after leaving the firm five years later.

An Asos spokesperson 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."

Samaritans can be contacted for free, 24/7, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org

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