BANGKOK - Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday approved 45 billion baht ($1.45 billion) of projects aimed at reviving the economy, the prime minister said, as the tourism-reliant country struggles with a third wave of coronavirus infections.

The projects would improve the local economy and community, Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters, without giving further details. It follows an economic relief package worth 255 billion baht approved last week.

The cabinet also approved a draft budget bill for the 2022 fiscal year starting in October, which forecasts spending of 3.1 trillion baht ($99.71 billion) and a deficit of 700 billion baht, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said in a statement.

Parliamentarians are expected to debate the first reading of the bill between May 31 and June 2, he said.

Thailand on Tuesday reported 1,919 new COVID-19 infections and 31 deaths.

The latest outbreak, which began in April, has accounted for two thirds of Thailand's total cases and about 80% of fatalities.

Restrictions to curb the spread has slowed economic activity, dragging the Thai Chamber of Commerce's confidence index to a record low of 27.6 in April from 30.7 in March. ($1 = 31.10 baht)

(Reporting by Satawasin Staporncharnchai and Panarat Thepgumpanat Writing by Orathai Sriring; Editing by Martin Petty) ((orathai.sriring@tr.com; +662 0802309;))