BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's economy is expected to grow 3.3% this year and 4.2% next year, helped by increased tourism, the prime minister said on Tuesday.

The economy in the second quarter showed a good direction, Prayuth Chan-ocha told a news conference, citing economic reports presented at a cabinet meeting.

(Reporting by Satawasin Staporncharnchai and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Orathai Sriring; Editing by Martin Petty)