Proponents of copy thachin argue that the style is separate from cover songs due to it having unique vocal arrangements and lyrics.

However, officials such as diplomats and scholars were allowed to bring Western instruments, songbooks, and cassette tapes into the country, which were often slowly spread through small circles, often through teenagers.

[2] Despite the government of Myanmar attempting to censor copy thachin throughout its history, it can widely be heard today in many public spaces.

[5][6] In the 1984 Burmese film, Achit Hlay starring Playboy Than Naing, he sings a song named "Sate Kuu Yin Eain Met" meaning "Fantasy Dream" in which the instrumental is directly taken from John Lennon's "Imagine".

[2] Naing Myanmar's "Kabar Ma Kyay Buu" is a copy thachin and protest song borrowing the composition of "Dust in the Wind" by American rock band Kansas.