Thailand's exports are expected to rise 2% this year, the upper end of a previous forecast of 1% to 2% growth, but the rapidly strengthening baht could be a challenge for the rest of the year, the Thai National Shippers' Council said on Tuesday. The baht reached its highest level in 31 months this week trading at 32.125 against the greenback. Year-to-date, the baht has risen 5.2%, making it the region's second best-performing currency after Malaysia's ringgit. The rapid appreciation of the baht was hitting exporters and tourism spending, the central bank said on Monday, and that it had managed the baht's volatility.