BUTTERWORTH (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The news of a man being detained over the Thai bomb blast has brought hope to a Malaysian who lost five family members and is now seeking closure to the tragedy.

"I hope the suspect is the culprit," said pastry business owner Neoh Hock Guan, 55, who is still recovering from the injuries he suffered in the Aug 17 blast at the Erawan shrine in Bangkok. The bombing killed 20 people, including five Malaysians.

Thai police had on Saturday nabbed a 28-year-old man in connection with the blast.

"The injuries are healing, so is my heart. My family members are gone. The whole house is so quiet but life must go on," Neoh said.

His son Neoh Jai Jun, 20, his son-in-law Lee Tze Siang, 35, his four-year-old granddaughter Lee Jing Xuan, his wife Lim Saw Gek, 49, and her sister Lim Soo See, 52, were all killed in the blast.

Neoh's daughter Neoh Yee Ling, 33, who is five months pregnant, survived the blast.

The family had gone to Thailand for a holiday trip and to celebrate Jai Jun's 20th birthday.

Neoh , who spoke to the The Star at his home on Sunday, said he was still getting daily injections to ensure the wounds did not get infected.

The suspect who is being detained by police had apparently matched the description of a man who left a bag at the shrine.

Media reports said the suspect was found in possession of bomb-making equipment and several fake passports.