RIYADH, 21 June 2004 — The bereaved wife of Paul M. Johnson is undergoing treatment for stress and trauma.
Despite repeated appeals to the captors, Thanom’s husband was beheaded by the terrorists on Friday when the 72-hour deadline given to the authorities ran out.
“Her present state is due to the killing of her husband,” said Tom Jurkowsky, a spokesman for Lockheed Martin International. He said she needed treatment and counseling to help her recover.
As to Johnson’s wife Thanom’s future plans, Jurkowsky said she would go first to the United States and then decide her next step.
“Thanom is waiting for advice and guidance from the US Embassy and the Saudi government concerning her future plans,” said a senior diplomat at the Thai Embassy.
Sawai Pidmuang, the first secretary for consular affairs at the embassy, told Arab News that she had not recovered from the shock of her husband’s death and she was undecided about what to do next.
“Since she is a Thai citizen, we are prepared to offer any assistance she requests,” Pidmuang said.
US Ambassador James Oberwetter said: “Our embassy and the State Department continue to work with the deceased’s family on personal matters.”
The ambassador described Thanom as a strong person whose televised appeal showed a caring and human face to millions of people around the world who were hoping for Johnson’s release.
