Husk corn and cut off kernels into a bowl. Use the back side of a knife to scrape the cobs, catching the liquid in the bowl. Discard all but two of the cobs. Trim and thinly slice the green onions, separating the white and light-green from the dark parts; set aside.
Cook bacon in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until browned and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat. Return pan to medium heat; add 1 tablespoon olive oil, the white and light-green green onions, chile, salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring, until the onions are very soft, about 3 min.
Add broth, corn, corn cobs, potatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce to medium low; simmer until potatoes are completely tender, about 15 to 20 min. Discard the corn cobs and thyme twig.
Transfer 2 cups of the mixture to a bowl or blender. Use an immersion blender or standard blender to puree the mixture; return it to the pot. Stir in half of the reserved dark-green onions. If using, stir in the cream. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for a couple of minutes to wilt the onions and blend the flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Ladle chowder into individual soup bowls. Sprinkled with bacon, reserved green onions and drizzle about 2 teaspoons olive oil over each serving.