Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Name: Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon; 1 onion (diced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1 jalapeno (seeds removed and minced); 8 ears corn on the cob; 1 Tbsp garlic paste or minced garlic; kosher salt, pepper, Old Bay, crushed red pepper flakes; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 Russet potatoes (peeled and diced); 1/2 Tbsp sugar; 1 bunch fresh thyme (plus more for garnish if desired) (tied in a bundle with string); 1 pint half and half (or whole milk); 1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)