Saute bacon in large pot and remove from pot
Stir in 1 t of thyme, onions, and celery and cook until tender
Add water, potatoes, carrots, salt, pepper, and clam liquid and simmer uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes
Add tomato paste and simmer for 20 minutes
Add clams, parsley, and 1 t of thyme and simmer for 10 minutes
Serve with crumbled bacon on top