Peel and dice the potatoes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced potatoes, vegetable broth, almond milk, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you prefer some texture, you can blend only half of the soup separately and mix it back in.
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped chives and bacon bits. Serve hot.